The recent statement by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, announcing a reward of up to $50 million for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela, is a powerful and necessary step in the fight against authoritarianism and transnational crime. The indictment of Maduro for leading the “Cartel de los Soles” and strangling democracy in Venezuela sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate regimes that engage in narcotics trafficking and subvert the will of their people. (Photo: President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela).

The situation in Sierra Leone under the regime of President Julius Maada Bio presents an alarming parallel to the very issues for which the international community is rightly condemning Maduro. The time has come for the international community to recognize that there is no difference between Maada Bio’s election theft and his alleged harboring of drug lords and the crimes of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. When it comes to the pattern of election theft, Maduro copied the same playbook of Maada Bio.

The parallel between the two nations is stark and undeniable. In Venezuela, Maduro claimed victory in the 2024 presidential election despite a lack of credible evidence. The United States and other international partners refused to recognize the result. In Sierra Leone, the 2023 general election was similarly marred by a lack of transparency and credible concerns over the outcome. The European Union Election Observation Mission (EU EOM) and other international observers, including a joint statement from the U.S., UK, Ireland, Germany, and France, expressed serious concerns about the lack of transparency in the tabulation process.

The Carter Center, a respected voice in election monitoring, also noted significant flaws in the process. The EU’s final report on the elections outlined 21 recommendations for improving the electoral framework, underscoring the deep-seated issues with the process. The failure to address these concerns and to hold a transparent election has left Sierra Leone’s democracy in a precarious state, mimicking the very democratic backsliding that the international community condemns in Venezuela.

Beyond the subversion of democracy, both regimes are linked to the scourge of international drug trafficking. The U.S. government has designated Maduro’s “Cartel de los Soles” as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist organization. In a shocking and disturbing development, the Maada Bio regime in Sierra Leone is now widely believed to be providing haven to, at least one of Europe’s most wanted drug lords, Jos Leijdekkers. Leijdekkers, also known as “Chubby Jos,” is on Europol’s most-wanted list, having been sentenced in absentia in the Netherlands for large-scale cocaine trafficking and ordering a murder.

Disturbing reports, including leaked footage and images, suggest a close relationship between Leijdekkers and high-ranking Sierra Leonean officials, even the president’s family. This blatant disregard for international law and security is having a devastating impact on the youth of Sierra Leone, who are increasingly falling victim to hard drugs like “kush and tramadol,” which are now easily found everywhere. The government’s declaration of a “national emergency on drug abuse” rings hollow when it is known to be protecting the very individuals who facilitate the trade. (Photo: Illegal President Maada Bio).

This pattern of election theft and complicity in drug trafficking, if left unchecked, will have a catastrophic effect on democracy across Africa. Other leaders, observing the international community’s inaction, may conclude that they can rig elections and harbor criminals with impunity. This would unleash a rapid and dangerous downward trend of democratic principles, undermining years of progress and stability on the continent. The international community, led by the United States, must take a firm and unequivocal stand.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio, your statement on Venezuela is a testament to the power of American leadership in upholding democratic values and combating transnational crime. Since Maada Bio has committed himself to the transition of power after the Tripartite investigation, yet is dragging his feet, we now call on you to apply that same moral clarity and resolve to Sierra Leone. The people of Sierra Leone have had their democracy and dignity stolen.

They are now facing a public health crisis fueled by a regime that has allegedly opened its doors to international criminals. We need the help of the United States and the broader international community to reclaim our democracy, restore the rule of law, and hold those who have betrayed their nation accountable. The time for action is now.

Author: By Mohamed A Warisay, MBA, MSc, BSc, PMP, CISA – USA – August 8th, 2025

Reward Offer Increase of Up to $50 Million for Information Leading to Arrest and/or Conviction of Nicolás Maduro

Press Statement – An official website of the United States Government – State Department Home

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

August 7, 2025

The Department of State and the Department of Justice are announcing a reward offer increase of up to $50 million under the Narcotics Rewards Program (NRP) for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of Nicolás Maduro for violating U.S. narcotics laws. (Photo: President Trump and Marco Rubio).

For over a decade, Maduro has been a leader of Cartel de los Soles, which is responsible for trafficking drugs into the United States. On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of the Treasury designated Cartel de Los Soles as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). Since 2020, Maduro has strangled democracy and grasped at power in Venezuela. Maduro claimed to have won Venezuela’s July 28, 2024, presidential election, but failed to present any evidence that he had prevailed.

The United States has refused to recognize Maduro as the winner of the 2024 election and does not recognize him as the president of Venezuela. The Secretary authorizes today’s reward offer under the NRP, which supports law enforcement efforts to disrupt transnational crime globally and bring fugitives to justice as a key pillar of President Trump’s “America First” priorities.  If you have information, please get in touch with the DEA by phone (voice, WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram, or text) at +1-202-681-8187, or by email.  If you are located outside the United States, you may also visit the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  If you are in the United States, you can also contact the local DEA field office.

ALL IDENTITIES ARE KEPT STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL – Government Officials and Employees are Not Eligible for Rewards

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