Sierra Leone is at Risk of Being Tagged as Narco-State – Professor Jimmy Kandeh

Professor Jimmy Kandeh, a professor of Political Science has warned of the far-reaching implications of recent drug allegations on Sierra Leone’s diplomatic status.

Speaking in an interview with Online Liberty TV, Professor Kandeh said Sierra Leone is at risk of being labeled a narco-state – a country where the primary source of revenue comes from illicit drug trade. He emphasized the difficulty of recovering from such a designation and the potential for a surge in other crimes, including homicides.

His comments stemming from a recent drug case involving the Sierra Leonean Ambassador to Guinea which have ignited public outrage both domestically and internationally.

Criticizing the government’s handling of the situation, Professor Kandeh attributed the current crisis to what he termed a “rogue government,” characterized by a lack of transparency and sincerity with its citizens.

He further explained the dangers of narcoterrorism, a system where drug traffickers wield significant influence over state policies. In such a scenario, he argued, drug syndicates become more powerful than state institutions.

Professor Kandeh asserted that these allegations will tarnish Sierra Leone’s international reputation and jeopardize its diplomatic ties. He also predicted that the allegations will affect not only those with diplomatic passports but also ordinary citizens, who will face increased scrutiny at borders due to fears of drug possession.

He believes the president should have taken decisive action by first addressing allegations linking the first family to harboring a convicted Dutch drug kingpin and then working to clear the nation’s name.

Professor Kandeh concluded that the only path forward is through transparency, accountability, and sincerity from the government. He stressed the importance of these principles in restoring public trust and repairing the damage to Sierra Leone’s international image.