APC Leader Condemns Gov’t Over Cocaine Scandal
By Benjamin S Conteh
The Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC) Party in Parliament, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, has strongly criticized the ruling government, accusing it of tarnishing Sierra Leone’s international reputation.
Speaking at the APC’s monthly parliamentary press conference on January 29, 2025, Hon. Kargbo described the recent cocaine scandal as the worst reputational damage the country has suffered since independence. The event was held under the theme: “The Prevailing Issues on Drugs and the Bill Entitled ‘The Counter-Terrorism Act.’”
He expressed disappointment over Sierra Leone’s growing association with drug trafficking, recalling a debate at the ECOWAS Parliament where a Gambian MP claimed Sierra Leone was a major transit point for distributing Kush across the region. “I was outraged and defended my country, telling him that Sierra Leone should not be linked to drug trafficking. Our nation is known for strong religious values that oppose illicit drug use,” he stated.
Hon. Kargbo further lamented that the scandal is an embarrassment to citizens, lawmakers, and the Presidency. He warned that if the government fails to restore the country’s credibility, Sierra Leoneans will face increasing scrutiny when traveling abroad.
“The most alarming part of this issue is that a vehicle belonging to the Sierra Leone Embassy in Guinea was caught with drugs. This means that no diplomatic vehicle will be exempt from suspicion. Such vehicles cannot travel without documentation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” he stressed.
As an opposition leader, he called on the government to take decisive action in repairing the country’s damaged reputation.
Turning to the Counter-Terrorism Act, Hon. Kargbo echoed concerns raised by Hon. Osman Timbo, particularly regarding the definition of terrorism. He noted that the bill did not explicitly exclude Sierra Leoneans who gather to advocate, protest, or express dissent, which raised fears of potential abuse.
“We had to ensure the bill was clearly defined to prevent misuse of power. If the government is adopting the African model, they must include an exemption that protects citizens’ rights,” he argued.
He reaffirmed the APC’s commitment to scrutinizing the bill, emphasizing that while they support the fight against terrorism, they will not allow the legislation to be used as a political weapon.
“We have seen the APC unfairly labeled as a terrorist group before. We will not allow any loophole in this law to be used against a political party,” he concluded.
