Foreign Minister Sara Beysolow Nyanti’s recent diplomatic engagements have placed Liberia at the center of increased international cooperation to strengthen the response to transnational drug trafficking, and other organized crimes.
Rather than becoming directly involved in criminal investigations, Minister Nyanti has maintained that her role has been strictly diplomatic working through international channels to secure technical assistance, intelligence sharing, and support for ongoing anti-drug campaign.
Minister Nyanti spoke during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing on Thursday, August 6, in Monrovia. She disclosed how she was contacted by the White House Situation Room shortly after Liberian authorities announced the seizure of cocaine valued at approximately US$317 million. Minister Nyanti: “The discussion focused on investigation into the massive drug seizure, and possible ways the United States could strengthen its support for Liberian security authorities conducting the probe.” She said, the diplomatic engagement demonstrated the importance of Liberia maintaining strong international partnerships as the country confronts the growing threat posed by transnational organized crime. Minister Nyanti said, recent diplomatic efforts were designed to protect national interest by ensuring that security institutions have access to the expertise, and international cooperation required to pursue a complex investigation of international dimensions. She further disclosed how the Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not conduct criminal investigations, rather serves as a bridge between foreign governments, international institutions, and other strategic partners. Her comments come amid intense public discussion over the Foreign Ministry’s role in helping security authorities to obtain international assistance following the unprecedented cocaine seizures. While public skepticism remains in some quarters, no evidence has been publicly presented by law enforcement authorities linking Minister Nyanti to the drug trafficking network, and no government agency has spoken to that effect.
For Minister Nyanti, the ongoing diplomatic campaign underscores the determination to build stronger international partnerships in the fight against transnational organized crime.
IG Coleman
In another development, Police Inspector General Gregory O.W. Coleman, confirmed how the United States has provided technical support to Liberian investigators, with diplomatic engagements playing an important role in strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
