Thousands of Liberians took to the streets of Monrovia on Thursday in a powerful demonstration against the country’s worsening drug crisis.

Under the banner “Say No To Drugs,” citizens from all backgrounds united to hold the government accountable for its 2023 campaign promise to combat drug and substance abuse.

The protestors submitted a petition to the authorities, urging swift and concrete action. Their message: the time for talk is over—what Liberia needs now is real change.

President Joseph Boakai previously declared drug abuse a public health emergency and formed a national task force, but many believe visible progress remains lacking.