Published: September 12, 2025
JOHNSONVILLE — Young people battling addiction at a government-run rehabilitation site in Johnsonville say they are going hungry and being neglected, raising alarms of a looming humanitarian and public safety concern.
A National Crisis Meets Local Realities
In January 2024, just days after taking office, President Boakai declared drug abuse a national public health emergency, describing the synthetic narcotic “kush” as an existential threat to Liberia’s youth and a national security risk. He promised sweeping reforms, including mandatory drug testing for public officials, a multi-agency steering committee, and a permanent rehabilitation facility to replace ad hoc measures.
But nearly two years later, conditions at Johnsonville tell a different story.
In late August, more than 150 drug-dependent youths were relocated to the holding site, managed by the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC). The move followed police raids on drug ghettos and mounting pressure to act on the crisis.
LRRRC Executive Director Jackson Paye described the Johnsonville center as a temporary solution until a permanent facility in Bentol, Montserrado County, is completed. He admitted to shortcomings, including poor fencing, overcrowding, and weak infrastructure, but said efforts are underway to improve conditions.
Inside the compound, however, residents paint a bleaker picture.
Hunger, Darkness, and Broken Promises
Youth inside the facility say the government’s promise of 24-hour care has not been fulfilled. Meals are sporadic and inadequate; breakfast often consists of stale bread and unsweetened tea, with lunch delayed or skipped. Dinner, some said, is rarely served.
“People are telling the Health Ministry we’re eating three times a day with medication. It’s not true. We need care, support, and attention,” one young woman said.
Another described the so-called detoxification program as “painkillers and antibiotics,” far from what is needed for recovery. “As a drug user, I believe detox requires more than just pain pills. How is that supposed to help us recover?” she asked.
Some residents alleged that food, clothing, and cash donations meant for the center were diverted before reaching them. The Liberian Investigator has, however, not been able to independently verify this allegation. Frequent power outages plunge the compound into darkness, compounding fears of violence and accidents.
Communities on Edge
Johnsonville residents say the crisis is spilling beyond the compound walls. Hungry and frustrated, some youths wander into the surrounding community in search of food, prompting fears of theft and insecurity.
“Their presence is terrifying,” one neighbor who asked for anonymity said. “Some might harm residents or our property — it’s only a matter of time.”
Another warned: “It’s better for the government to act now before something terrible happens here.”
Silence, Finger-Pointing, and Oversight Gaps
Despite mounting complaints, key agencies have stayed quiet. The Ministry of Health and the Multi-Sectoral Committee overseeing rehabilitation declined to comment on the Johnsonville site. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), which led raids on drug dens, distanced itself from the center.
“This is not our mandate,” LDEA spokesperson Orlando Demey said. “Our operations target criminal networks, not rehabilitation. Evictions without follow-up only push vulnerable youths deeper into the streets.”
Restricted Access, Rising Criticism
Civil society groups and journalists have also been shut out. A press statement issued Aug. 22 by the Technical Working Group of the Multi-Sectoral Committee on Drugs and SubstanceAbuse barred media access to the Johnsonville center, warning that anyone attempting to photograph or interview residents would be arrested.
The statement argued that people with substance use disorders deserve privacy and confidentiality. But critics say the blackout shields the government from scrutiny at a time when transparency is badly needed.
“This is not about shaming drug users — it is about accountability,” said one rights advocate. “When public funds are used for rehabilitation, the public has a right to know if services are being delivered.”
CADAT: A Grassroots Experiment
While the Johnsonville center struggles, the government has launched a Community Anti-Drug Action Team (CADAT) program to mobilize local resistance against drugs. CADATs, composed of community leaders, youth, women’s groups, health workers, and law enforcement, are tasked with reporting drug dens, educating neighbors, and referring addicts for treatment.
Slogans like “CADAT — Strong Communities, Drug-Free Liberia!” are being promoted nationwide. Advocates say CADATs could be an important bridge between state policy and grassroots realities. But skeptics warn the initiative risks becoming another paper program without resources or political will.
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