There’s overwhelming evidence that drug use undermines security in many regions of the world and evolves into a major threat to political and social stability, the rule of law, human rights and economic development.
Drug trafficking on the other hand is fuelling brutal insurgencies in various parts of the world, and Africa is serving not only as a trans-shipment route but also as a production and consumption centre.
This is evidenced by the fact that research shows that drug routes are now meeting in the Sahara, aircraft are replacing old-fashioned camel caravans, and terrorists and anti-government forces are financing their activities from the illegitimate profits.
Kenya is preparing for a momentous election that will see government changeover in less than two months. Already signs of politically instigated violence have been recorded in some parts of the country, and drug use cannot be ruled out as having contributed to some of those ugly scenes.
The economic consequences of drug abuse severely burden local and national government resources and, ultimately, the taxpayer.
Children of individuals who abuse drugs often are abused or abandoned as a result of the persons' preoccupation with drugs. National-level studies have shown that parents who abuse drugs often put their need to obtain and abuse drugs before the health and welfare of their children.
This, therefore, means that such individuals are willing to go to any length to steady their drug supply, which means even engaging in violent acts so long as they’re assured of monetary gain to sustain their drug dependence.
The ripple effect of people suffering from such disorders is a highly volatile society where the rule of law can be severely undermined and thus threats to peace and stability.
Drugs can also increase the likelihood of many kinds of criminal activity such as violent conflicts among competing trafficking groups. Those needing money to feed their drug habit may turn to theft, robbery and prostitution.
Well-intentioned development practices have attempted to prioritise pro-poor development and align anti-drugs policy with the Sustainable Development Goals. But the evidence of these policy reforms is limited.
The SDGs provide an opportunity to appreciate that peacebuilding is fundamental to eradicating hunger and poverty, and to provide a structure to inspire a new, contextualised approach that commits governments to build counter-narcotics and peacebuilding initiatives on a sound foundation of research and understanding.
As the country heads into the transitional period, it is critical that peaceful and cohesive co-existence is given due attention. Political formations angling for various positions, both local and national, should prioritise the fight against drugs.
They need to commit to promoting programmes that will ensure that they will rid their areas of the menace of drug abuse otherwise, they will have no people to govern once they assume power.
Simon Mwangi is manager, Corporate Communications-Nacada. [email protected]
Judith Twala is manager, Counselling and Rehabilitation-Nacada. [email protected]
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