Dr. Sengeh Rejects "Narco State" Label

Dr. Sengeh Rejects "Narco State" Label

Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has strongly rejected claims linked to the European Union that describe Sierra Leone as a "narco state," calling the label unfair and damaging to the country's reputation.

Speaking on Liberty Online TV, Dr. Sengeh argued that such characterizations overlook the global nature of drug production and trafficking networks. He insisted that Sierra Leone is being unfairly singled out in international discussions regarding narcotics.

"There are a lot of drugs coming from Europe into Sierra Leone," he stated, adding that it would be irresponsible to portray Europe in a similar negative light based on drug flows alone.

He pointed out that substances such as tramadol and key chemical components used in drug production originate outside Sierra Leone, including within Europe.

Dr. Sengeh asserted that it is improper for powerful international actors to apply the "narco state" label to Sierra Leone, stressing that the nation should not be defined by its position in global trafficking routes.

He further characterized such labeling as "a horrible new colonialism," arguing that global power imbalances allow wealthier nations and institutions to impose damaging narratives on smaller states.

"It is irresponsible for them to refer to Sierra Leone as a narco state," he said, noting that economic and political influence should not be used to "bully" smaller countries through stigmatizing labels.

His remarks come amid ongoing international concern over drug trafficking routes through West Africa and a growing domestic debate in Sierra Leone regarding the rise of synthetic drug abuse and its social impact.

Dr. Sengeh’s comments are expected to intensify discussions concerning the country’s global image and the shared responsibility of both producing and transit regions in addressing the international drug trade.