By Sulaiman Stom Koroma
As dialogue continues between the Governments of Sierra Leone and Guinea following the arrest of a utility vehicle belonging to Sierra Leone’s embassy in Guinea- a vehicle found to be carrying seven suitcases of cocaine, there has been public outrage in Sierra Leone, particularly among the youth, who have been grappling with increasing drug abuse, resulting in imprisonment, destitution, death, and mass burial.
This cocaine issue involving the Sierra Leone Embassy has drawn keen attention to the ongoing drug problem in Sierra Leone. At the height of the drug abuse crisis, especially Kush last year, citizens accused government officials of involvement in the illicit drug trade. While the government promised to investigate the roots of the drug importation and distribution, there has been little progress or information released regarding the findings, questioning the government’s commitment to addressing the issue.
The government has still not come clear as to whether the ambassador is in self-confinement, detention, under house or office arrest, or is with the Guinean authorities. The Guinean authorities have taken a firm stance, stating they would prosecute the Sierra Leonean ambassador under their national laws for the drug-related offence. However, the government of Sierra Leone said it has requested for the ambassador to return home for further investigation.
In response to the growing diplomatic standoff, Sierra Leone’s Foreign Minister travelled to Guinea to negotiate a resolution. However, it’s been a week now since the minister left, and not much has been heard.
At this point, Sierra Leoneans are questioning the government’s insistence on shielding the ambassador from legal proceedings in Guinea. “If the ambassador is not guilty, why is the government preventing a trial in Guinea?”
A Sierra Leonean lady was caught with drugs in Gambia. She was tried and imprisoned. Some Sierra Leoneans were caught with drugs in Senegal, and they were tried there.
The cocaine scandal has become a flashpoint in the ongoing battle against drug abuse in Sierra Leone, where the youth population has been disproportionately affected by the influx of drugs. Many young people have found themselves caught in the cycle of drug addiction, resulting in a rise in crime, social instability, and a growing number of drug-related deaths.
Sadly, the Government of Sierra Leone faces increasing pressure to address the allegations against its officials and ensure that those responsible for the importation of illegal drugs are held accountable.
