Paper short abstract:

In Sierra Leone’s War on Drugs different ideas of security collide, overlap and interact: Cocaine trafficking fuels global terrorism; cannabis threatens people’s productivity and the country’s food security and development. Research shows that cannabis cultivation adds to food security and living conditions

Paper long abstract:

For international organisations involved in the 'War on Drugs' and dealing with the supposedly intertwined issues of 'security' and 'development' the smuggling of drugs to Europe via West Africa is a global problem with serious local impact. For them, primarily, cocaine trafficking poses a threat to public health and security in Europe, fuelling global terrorism, while also destabilizing the countries of transshipment. Curbing the transport routes is therefore their main interest. And as they cannot trust local law enforcer, they try to ensure success in taking the lead in operations against cocaine.

In Sierra Leone, cocaine transshipment is seen as a minor problem, yet repressive drug politics find a fertile ground in the war against cannabis - at least on paper. The production and consumption of cannabis is claimed to be detrimental to food security, threatening national productivity and development, increasing acts of violence, mental problems and corruption. Research shows however that only the cultivation and trade of cannabis enables farmers and petty traders to cultivate food crop, send their children to school and increase their standard of living. Around trading networks political loyalties develop, while situational blows against drug traffickers might also increase political legitimacy.