The Lawyers’ Society, a group of legal professionals with the objective to uphold rule of law and advocate for good governance, has issued a strong call for a coordinated, multi-party, and multi-sectoral national response to the growing kush crisis, describing it as a national emergency that demands immediate collective action.
In public statement, the Society expressed deep concern over the widespread abuse of kush Sierra Leone, warning that the crisis pose “serious threats to health, safety, and national stability.”
The statement noted that the effects of the highly addictive substance are visible in “every area, district, and town,” and urged all sectors, government, political parties, civil society, religious and traditional leaders , to work together in tackling the scourge.
The Lawyers’ Society also expressed disappointment over reports that the Sierra Leone Police allegedly denied a citizen’s request to organize a peaceful awareness march against kush. The group said the refusal, if true, “risks undermining lawful and lifesaving public initiatives” at a time when national unity and civic participation are crucial.
“We urge the Sierra Leone Police and all state institutions to support, facilitate, and protect responsible community efforts against drug abuse, rather than restricting them,” the statement read.
The Society stressed that the kush epidemic cannot be addressed by “lip service or isolated efforts,” calling instead for leadership, empathy, and unity of purpose across all sectors and political divides.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to work with government agencies, civil society, and international partners to develop a rights-based national framework that strengthens the rule of law while addressing the drug crisis.
“Sierra Leone cannot afford to lose another generation to kush after its devastating decade-long war,” the statement concluded.
