Says Lies Undermine Drug Fight and Liberia’s Global Standing
Reported by: Rancy S. Teewia
Monrovia, Liberia – H.E. Sara Beysolow-Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Dean of the Cabinet, has cautioned Liberians against spreading misinformation, warning that lies targeting government officials are undermining the national fight against drugs and damaging Liberia’s credibility on the world stage.
Speaking Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Nyanti said she was compelled to speak because of the growing impact of false narratives on national security and diplomacy.
“I am here today to further the fight against drugs in Liberia,” Minister Nyanti stated.
She praised President Joseph N. Boakai for leading what she described as a “focused, principled, and structured strategic fight against drugs,” adding that the objective is clear: Liberia will not become a narco-state.
“President Boakai has consistently maintained, both at the cabinet level and in bilateral conversations, that he will not run his government on social media. He will not run his government on propaganda. That clarity of purpose has guided how we engage,” she said.
Minister Nyanti disclosed that false allegations against her, her person, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have circulated since 2023. But what is new is the extent to which these lies undermine the fight against drug trafficking in Liberia.
“They undermine a highly credible investigation. And they undermine Liberia’s positioning in the world. That new positioning is why I must speak today,” she noted.
Highlighting Liberia’s current diplomatic role, Minister Nyanti said the country is coordinating both the Africa 3 and the E-10 at the UN Security Council this month. “Right now, I am proud to say, Liberia is coordinating the Africa 3 at the UN Security Council. We are serving as the Voice of Africa this month, beginning August 1.”
“Right now, Liberia is also coordinating the E-10, the 10 elected members of the 15-member Security Council. We are leading all non-permanent members this month,” she explained.
She said Liberia is now driving the conversations at the Council and is being contacted by world leaders seeking the country’s position on global issues. “Just last night, I received calls from several foreign ministers seeking our position on different issues and asking us to take up matters from their perspective. This is a huge responsibility for Liberia,” she said.
Minister Nyanti said the role has required shuttle diplomacy to sensitive regions, including Sudan and South Sudan. “I did not go there on vacation. I went because Liberia is on the UN Security Council. Liberia is a key player and a key voice,” she stated.
She further noted Liberia’s role in shaping the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel, and cited her recent engagement in Khartoum as the first foreign minister to meet General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the military commander and de facto leader of Sudan.
She added that since the 2023 war broke out, Liberia’s engagement led to the African Union and later the United Nations returning to Khartoum.
Linking Liberia’s global standing to the fight against drugs, Minister Nyanti said the country’s credibility on the Security Council enabled direct engagement with U.S. authorities.
“Because of Liberia’s critical role on the UN Security Council, I was able to pick up the phone and speak with President Trump’s advisor on Homeland Security. At the request of the Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, and with talking points provided by Director Gay, I made that call,” she said.
She said following the engagement, she received a call from the White House Situation Room and the National Security Council of the United States. And provided the necessary information after the $19 million drug bust. “That is how we secured boots on the ground from the U.S. DEA to help us get to where we are today.” Madam Nyanti asserted.
The Dean of the Cabinet urged Liberians to be responsible in shaping the country’s image abroad. Divulging that when things are said about Liberia, Liberians must be responsible in how they shape the view of their country. “We are not the same Liberia we used to be,” Madam Nyanti cautioned.
“Be proud of the Liberia we have today. Be proud of President Boakai’s leadership, be proud of what Liberia is doing in your name, because we have not held this kind of position in decades,” she said.
