Post a comment 
The Chief Minister of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh, has described the ongoing Kush epidemic as a national crisis that requires the collective effort of every Sierra Leonean, regardless of political, religious, or social affiliation.
Speaking passionately about the growing drug problem, Dr. Sengeh emphasized that the devastating effects of Kush, a synthetic drug ravaging communities across the country, have touched every family in Sierra Leone including his own and that of President Julius Maada Bio.
“There is no family in Sierra Leone that has not been affected by the Kush drug not even me, the Chief Minister, or the President of this country,” Dr. Sengeh stated. “Everyone has been affected, even our religious leaders. You must know or relate to someone who is addicted to this drug.”
The Chief Minister cautioned against politicizing the crisis, urging citizens to approach the fight against Kush with the same national unity and seriousness that were shown during the Ebola and COVID-19 pandemics. “You can’t politicize an epidemic or a crisis. The same way we didn’t politicize Ebola or COVID-19, let’s use that same energy to fight this pandemic,” he said.
Dr. Sengeh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enforcing laws against drug dealers and traffickers, noting that efforts are ongoing to ensure the justice system responds swiftly and firmly to such cases. He emphasized that those caught dealing in Kush and other illegal substances should face the appropriate legal penalties without unnecessary delays in court.
However, he also called on the public to show compassion and understanding toward those battling addiction. “Before we take photos of victims and post them on social media to mock them, let’s instead engage them and encourage them to abstain,” he urged. “It really pains me to see people laughing at victims online. These are our brothers, sisters, sons, and daughters. We should help them, not humiliate them.”
The Chief Minister further stressed that addressing the Kush epidemic requires shared responsibility involving not only the government and law enforcement, but also families, communities, and institutions. “This fight is not for the government alone. It requires everyone the SLPP, APC, PMDC, and all political parties, our mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, uncles, aunties, and even the judges and police officers. Everyone has a role to play,” he said.
Dr. Sengeh also cited existing laws that prohibit minors under 16 from entering places that sell alcohol and called on bar owners and community leaders to help enforce such rules. “When a child sees adults abusing drugs or alcohol, they are likely to imitate that behavior someday. We all have a duty to stop that and to protect our young people especially school-going pupils, who are our future,” he concluded.
The Chief Minister’s remarks come amid growing national concern over the rapid spread of Kush and its devastating impact on young people across the country. His message serves as a call to action for all Sierra Leoneans to come together in confronting what he termed a national pandemic that threatens the very fabric of society.
