PUL Relaunches Blyden Forum Liberia: Tackling Drug Trafficking

• The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is relaunching its Edward Wilmot Blyden Intellectual Discourse on Wednesday, August 26, 2026.
• The inaugural forum will feature a five-member panel addressing drug trafficking, institutional strengthening, accountability, and the rule of law.
• Key panelists include Liberia's Minister of Justice and Attorney General, Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, and the National Vice President of the Liberia National Bar Association, Cllr. F. Juah Lawson.
• Named after pioneering journalist Edward Wilmot Blyden, the platform aims to generate expert opinions and influence policymaking on vital national issues.
• The initiative seeks to foster constructive dialogue on democratic governance, transparency, accountability, and the rule of law, which are crucial for Liberia's transformation.

The overarching goals of this initiative are deeply rooted in strengthening democratic governance, enhancing transparency, promoting accountability, and upholding the rule of law.

The Press Union of Liberia (PUL) is set to revive its distinguished intellectual platform, the Edward Wilmot Blyden Intellectual Discourse, with a relaunch ceremony scheduled for Wednesday, August 26, 2026. This significant event aims to address both the profound challenges and the promising opportunities currently facing Liberia, with a view towards solidifying the nation's stability and fostering its development. The forum, named in tribute to the pioneering journalist and statesman Edward Wilmot Blyden, is designed to serve as a crucial independent arena for generating expert insights and facilitating a shared understanding of pressing national concerns.

The inaugural session of the relaunched Blyden Forum will convene a distinguished five-member panel to delve into the critical issue of drug trafficking. Under the theme "Confronting Drug Trafficking: Strengthening Institutions, Advancing Accountability, and Safeguarding the Rule of Law," the discussion underscores a concerted effort to tackle a significant societal problem. The event is expected to draw a wide array of prominent figures and organizations from various sectors, including lawmaking, the justice system, development agencies, academic institutions, the media, and civil society, signaling the broad importance attached to this national dialogue.

The upcoming Liberia drug trafficking forum boasts a high-caliber panel assembled to tackle the complex challenges of drug trafficking in Liberia. Among the five experts slated to speak are Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh, who holds the dual roles of Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Liberia, and Cllr. F. Juah Lawson, the current National Vice President of the Liberia National Bar Association (LNBA). Their participation highlights the legal and governmental commitment to the forum's objectives, particularly concerning the rule of law and institutional strengthening.

Further enriching the discussion will be Senator Amara M. Konneh, representing Gbarpolu County and serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Audits and Public Accounts, bringing a legislative oversight perspective. Civil society engagement will be represented by Mr. Anderson Miamen, the Executive Director of the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia (CENTAL), while Mr. Aaron Kollie, Chief Executive Officer of Infinity Broadcasting Corporation (Power FM & TV), will offer insights from the media sector. This diverse composition ensures a comprehensive examination of the theme, emphasizing accountability and the need for robust institutions to combat the illicit drug trade effectively.

Beyond its immediate focus on drug trafficking, the Edward Wilmot Blyden Intellectual Discourse is conceived as a vital mechanism for broader national progress. The platform's core mission is to provide critical and factual analyses on issues of paramount national importance, thereby fostering informed public discourse. By bringing together policymakers, leaders from civil society, journalists, and media practitioners, the Blyden Forum aims to cultivate constructive national dialogue that can significantly influence policymaking and shape public opinion.

The overarching goals of this initiative are deeply rooted in strengthening democratic governance, enhancing transparency, promoting accountability, and upholding the rule of law. These principles are identified as indispensable pillars for Liberia's ongoing transformation and stability. Through its independent structure and expert-driven discussions, the forum seeks to generate actionable insights and consensus, ultimately contributing to a more stable and developed Liberia.

This high-profile forum, involving Liberia's Minister of Justice and the President of the National Bar Association, signals a concerted effort to address drug trafficking and strengthen the rule of law. Lawyers and compliance officers in Liberia should monitor the forum's discussions and outcomes for potential policy shifts, legislative reforms, or increased enforcement actions that could impact criminal defense, corporate compliance, and public sector advisory work.

Source: Original reporting via New Republic