Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Abdul Rashid Thomas
Published on 2024-03-14 11:50:54
The issue of kush, a dangerous narcotic, is causing a crisis in Sierra Leone and demands urgent action. As expressed by Arthur .E. Pearce in the Sierra Leone Telegraph, the government needs to move beyond talk and take concrete steps to address the devastating impact of kush on communities, particularly on the youth. Similar to how past health crises like Ebola and COVID-19 were tackled in Sierra Leone, the root causes of the kush epidemic must be addressed, starting with quarantining the sources of production, distribution, and importation.
The ruling Sierra Leone People’s Party (SLPP) is urged to go beyond rhetoric and implement measures to combat the spread of kush. This includes identifying and isolating the sources of kush, dismantling the networks involved in its trade, and providing resources to law enforcement agencies like the Drug Enforcement Agency to effectively combat drug trafficking. The availability and affordability of kush make it a lucrative business that supports many households, underscoring the need for targeted interventions to disrupt its supply chain.
Local civil society organizations, such as the Mental Watch Advocacy Network led by Ibrahim Koroma, are actively warning kush users about the dangers of the drug, especially in impoverished communities where young people are losing their lives. The situation is deemed as deadly, demanding immediate attention from the authorities to protect vulnerable populations. The enforcement of strict measures and the allocation of resources to combat the kush epidemic are crucial in safeguarding the well-being of Sierra Leone’s youth.
As illustrated in a video showing police action against kush users in Freetown, the government’s response to the crisis will determine the future of the country’s youth. By taking decisive action to identify, isolate, and eliminate the sources of kush, Sierra Leone can make significant progress in curbing the spread of this harmful drug and preventing further loss of life. It is imperative for the SLPP administration to prioritize the fight against kush and ensure that the necessary resources are allocated to law enforcement agencies and other stakeholders involved in combating the epidemic.
In conclusion, the kush epidemic in Sierra Leone requires immediate and coordinated efforts from the government, civil society, and law enforcement agencies to curb its spread and protect the well-being of the population, particularly the youth. Concrete actions, not just words, are needed to address this crisis and prevent further devastation in communities across the country.
Read the original article on Sierra Leone Telegraph
