21/08/2026
SOUTH EASTERN ALLIANCE OF LIBERIA (SEAL)
PRESS STATEMENT FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
SEAL FROWNS AT FORMER PRESIDENT WEAH’S STATEMENT AND COMMENDS GOVERNMENT’S FIGHT AGAINST DRUG TRAFFICKING
Monrovia, Liberia — August 20, 2026
The South Eastern Alliance of Liberia (SEAL) expresses serious concern and disappointment over the recent statement issued by former President George Manneh Weah regarding the ongoing investigation into the US$317.6 million co***ne seizure and the arrest of former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor.
While SEAL recognizes the constitutional right of every Liberian, including former public officials, to express opinions and seek legal redress, we believe that statements made by national leaders must be measured against the broader national interest, particularly when Liberia is confronting a serious transnational narcotics threat.
SEAL finds it troubling that, at a time when the Government of Liberia and the Joint National Security Task Force are taking concrete steps to investigate, identify and dismantle an alleged international drug-trafficking network, the former President appears to characterize these actions primarily as political persecution before the judicial process has had the opportunity to establish the facts.
This is precisely the time when Liberia needs unity, not political interference; cooperation, not premature conclusions; and confidence in the rule of law, not attempts to undermine legitimate investigations.
The magnitude of the co***ne seizures reported in Liberia should concern every citizen, regardless of political affiliation. The alleged US$317.6 million narcotics operation is not simply a political matter. It is a national security threat with the potential to destroy communities, corrupt institutions, finance organized crime and expose Liberian young people to devastating consequences.
SEAL therefore believes that if this Government is genuinely committed to dismantling the drug cartel and exposing its financiers, facilitators, transporters, operational coordinators and institutional protectors, then every Liberian should allow the investigation to proceed without political obstruction.
We commend President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and the Joint National Security Task Force for their stated commitment to pursuing the investigation without fear or favor. We particularly welcome the government’s declaration that no office is too high, no political connection is too powerful, and no individual should be beyond the reach of the law.
SEAL also welcomes the President’s unequivocal warning that individuals who seek to use Liberia as a transit point for international narcotics trafficking, regardless of their wealth, influence, position or authority, will be identified, pursued and dealt with in accordance with the rule of law.
At the same time, SEAL emphasizes that the fight against narcotics must remain impartial, evidence-based and firmly grounded in due process. Every person accused must be afforded the constitutional presumption of innocence and the right to defend themselves before a competent court. Likewise, anyone against whom credible and admissible evidence is established must face prosecution, regardless of political affiliation, former office, nationality or social status.
We therefore urge former President Weah, former Vice President Taylor and all political leaders to cooperate with lawful investigations and allow the courts and competent investigative institutions to determine the facts.
SEAL strongly rejects the politicization of Liberia’s fight against narcotics from any side. The drug crisis should not become a weapon for political retaliation, nor should allegations of political persecution be used to weaken legitimate efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks.
Liberia has suffered tremendously from the consequences of organized crime, corruption and institutional weaknesses. We cannot afford to allow political considerations to overshadow the protection of our national security and the future of our children.
SEAL calls on the Government to:
1. Continue the investigation into the alleged narcotics network without fear, favor or political consideration.
2. Ensure that all arrests, searches, interrogations and prosecutions are conducted strictly within the Constitution and laws of Liberia.
3. Investigate every individual against whom credible evidence emerges, regardless of political status or connections.
4. Provide appropriate public information to reduce speculation and misinformation while protecting the integrity of ongoing investigations.
5. Strengthen Liberia’s cooperation with regional and international law-enforcement partners in combating transnational drug trafficking.
6. Ensure that the courts, rather than political actors, determine guilt or innocence.
The South Eastern Alliance of Liberia further calls on Liberians to remain calm, vigilant and united. The fight against drugs is a fight for the survival of Liberia’s young generation and the integrity of the Liberian state.
We cannot afford a situation where political loyalty becomes a shield for criminality or where political opposition becomes a reason for selective prosecution.
SEAL will continue to support every lawful and impartial effort aimed at protecting Liberia from narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
Liberia must not become a safe haven, transit point or marketplace for international drug cartels.
The Government has our support in the fight, but that support comes with an equally strong call for transparency, impartiality, due process and justice for all.
Issued by:
South Eastern Alliance of Liberia (SEAL)
