Political Parties Behind Sierra Leone’s Growing Youth Drug Menace, Says Human Rights Activist

Alphonsus B.M. Gbanie, Executive Secretary of the Human Rights Defenders Network Sierra Leone (HRDN), has accused political parties of distributing drugs to young people to incite violence for political gain.

Gbanie raised the concern during an interview on AYV On Sunday, where he urged political leaders to take responsibility for allegedly supplying drugs to youths and exploiting them for selfish purposes that fuel unrest.

He described the situation as contradictory, noting that while efforts are being made to combat drug abuse and youth violence, some political actors are reportedly enabling the same problem.

“It’s confusing that drugs are being given to youths at the same time we’re trying to stop drug use and related violence,” Gbanie said, adding that such actions undermine genuine progress in addressing the issue.

He warned that if political parties continue to encourage drug use among youths to perpetrate violence, all national efforts to curb drug abuse will be compromised.

Gbanie’s remarks come amid growing public concern over the link between drug use and youth violence in Sierra Leone.

The Human Rights Defenders Network has called for accountability from political parties and stronger action to break the cycle of drug-related violence among young people.