Sierra Leone’s descent into a narco-state: The unfolding scandal of state-sanctioned drug trafficking
By Crispin Johnson
Recent revelations about the government’s reported complicity in harboring a notorious drug kingpin have painted a damning portrait of the Bio administration’s seeming indifference to the rule of law, national security, and Sierra Leone’s international reputation. For six months, this fugitive has reportedly lived in luxury, allegedly shielded by state protection and mingling freely with the nation’s elite. This outrageous betrayal of public trust deserves scorn, not excuses.
The Drug Kingpin in the First Family’s Circle?
International media has exposed shocking details of the kingpin’s proximity to the highest echelons of power in Sierra Leone. A widely circulated video shows him embroiled in a scuffle, flanked by none other than Sierra Leone’s Immigration Boss, Alusine Kenneh. Adding insult to injury, First Lady Fatima Bio has been noted to have recently posted a photograph showing the fugitive sitting conspicuously close to President Bio during a church service.
Such scenes beg critical questions: How does a globally-wanted criminal end up at the heart of the presidency’s inner circle? The Ministry of Information’s press release, attempting to dismiss these incidents, is puerile at best. The notion that such an individual could simply “blend in” without scrutiny is not only laughable but also demonstrates a disturbing disregard for presidential security protocols. For any public event involving the president, there is a rigorous vetting process for attendees—a protocol abandoned, it seems, in favor of political arrogance and a belief that Sierra Leoneans will accept any narrative, no matter how ludicrous.
A Diplomatic and Security Disaster
Turning Sierra Leone into a narco-state has far-reaching implications for both its domestic and international standing. Already, Sierra Leone’s diplomatic reputation has been marred by the smuggling of 70 kilograms of cocaine via the country’s embassy in Guinea, an audacious act involving an official embassy vehicle. This scandal is not an isolated incident. The recent seizure of drugs shipped from Sierra Leone to the UK highlights an alarming trend: under President Bio’s administration, the country is becoming a hub for international drug trafficking.
The accusations extend further into the president’s own family. Persistent allegations against President Bio’s sister, Admire Bio, and her husband for their alleged leadership roles in the drug cartel raise serious concerns about the presidency’s integrity. These accusations can no longer be dismissed as mere speculation when evidence points to the systematic appointment of close allies and family members to key positions at the ports, immigration, and other strategic institutions—perfect enablers for a transnational drug syndicate?
Government Arrogance and the Need for Immediate Action
The government’s response—or lack thereof—underscores its contempt for accountability. Instead of addressing these serious concerns, officials insult the intelligence of Sierra Leoneans with flimsy justifications. This despicable attitude must end. The president must immediately order the dismissal, arrest, and investigation of Immigration Boss Mohamed Kenneh and all individuals linked to the drug cartels, regardless of their proximity to him. Anything less would confirm the administration’s complicity in these criminal activities.
Moreover, the establishment of an independent, international investigation is critical to uncover the extent of Sierra Leone’s transformation into a drug transshipment hub. Organizations such as INTERPOL and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) must intervene to restore law and order, as the Bio administration has proven incapable of addressing this crisis.
Sierra Leone’s Future at Stake
The cost of inaction is too great. Allowing Sierra Leone to devolve into a narco-state risks not only international sanctions but also the erosion of public trust and the country’s moral fabric. President Bio’s administration has a choice: take meaningful action now or face the verdict of history as the regime that surrendered Sierra Leone to drug lords.
The people of Sierra Leone deserve better than a government that prioritizes alleged criminal alliances over national security and international credibility. The world is watching, and time is running out for President Bio to prove his commitment to justice, accountability, and the future of Sierra Leone.
