Freetown: Fr. Peter Konteh, President of the Catholic Priests in Sierra Leone, has issued a call for national unity in addressing the escalating drug crisis among the country's youth. He emphasized that the issue should not be politicized but treated as a collective emergency requiring immediate action.

In a public statement shared on October 16, Fr. Konteh described the widespread use of the synthetic drug known as "kush" as a "national epidemic" that is devastating young lives and families. He urged religious leaders, community elders, and civil society organizations to rise above silence and confront the root causes of the crisis.

The priest highlighted that the drug problem is symptomatic of deeper issues such as high unemployment and a lack of opportunities for the youth. He called for a focus on solutions, including job creation, education, rehabilitation, and mentorship programs, rather than engaging in blame and insults on social media.

Fr. Konteh concluded by stressing the importance of national unity and decisive action, stating, "This is not a time for politics; it is a moment for national unity and decisive action. The future of Sierra Leone depends on what we do now, together."

His remarks come at a time when the country's youth are facing increasing challenges, and the need for a unified approach to address these issues has never been more urgent.