Freetown, 3rd November, 2025- As he joins the fight against Sierra Leone’s escalating Kush crisis, Vice President Dr. Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh has called for renewed national commitment, coordination, and urgency at a high-level stakeholders’ meeting held at State House.
The gathering brought together top government officials, law enforcement leaders, judicial representatives, and civil society advocates to assess progress and chart the way forward in the fight against the synthetic drug.
Speaking on behalf of the National Task Force on Drugs and Substance Abuse, Vice President Jalloh thanked President Julius Maada Bio for convening the meeting and reaffirmed the government’s resolve to tackle the Kush pandemic head-on.
“This meeting marks a new phase, a new beginning, in our collective effort to defeat Kush,” he declared. “We are here to take stock, share progress, and confront the challenges that remain.”
The Vice President outlined a multi-pronged approach, highlighting interventions in law enforcement, prosecution, treatment, and social reintegration. Reports presented during the meeting revealed active disruption of supply routes and ongoing efforts to dismantle trafficking networks. Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Hon. Alpha Sesay, detailed steps taken to strengthen prosecution, while Chief Justice Hon. Komba Kamanda emphasized the judiciary’s commitment to fast-tracking drug-related cases.
Parliament also pledged its support. Deputy Speaker Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh expressed readiness to accelerate legislative reforms that would bolster the national response framework.
One of the most poignant moments came from Michael Tamba Komba, a recovering addict turned community advocate, whose testimony underscored the human toll of Kush and the transformative power of rehabilitation.
“Michael’s story reminds us that recovery is possible,” said Vice President Jalloh. “But it also highlights the urgent need for more support systems and funding.”
Despite progress, the Vice President acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly in prosecution, resource allocation, and cross-border control. He warned that illicit trade continues to threaten national security and public health, even as entry-point enforcement improves.
“We must not relent,” he urged. “With continued leadership and collective action, we will win this fight.”
The meeting concluded with a call for unity, transparency, and sustained engagement across all sectors. As Sierra Leone grapples with the devastating impact of Kush, the message from State House was clear: the time for silence and scattered efforts is over. The battle against Kush is now a national priority, and it demands nothing less than a united front.
