Monrovia, Oct. 5 -- When the Government of Liberia charged former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor in August, officials spoke with confidence. The state said it had the evidence. It said the case was strong.

By Rodney D. Sieh

Forty-seven days later, there is still no indictment.

Howard-Taylor was stopped at Roberts International Airport on August 19 before she could board a flight to Accra, where she was due to speak at a forum. She was charged with drug trafficking, money laundering and conspiracy linked to an alleged transnational narcotics network. She has denied every charge. Her bail request was denied, and she has since been moved from Monrovia Central Prison to house arrest.

Now, a question is circulating in legal and politic...