Monrovia – The much-publicized July 17 “No to Drugs” protest organized by the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) got underway Friday in Monrovia, with demonstrators demanding stronger action against drug trafficking and substance abuse.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The protest began in Congo Town, where participants gathered before marching along Tubman Boulevard and chanting anti-drug and anti-government slogans.
Organizers say the demonstration is aimed at drawing the attention of the Liberian government and international development partners to what they describe as the growing influx of illicit drugs into the country. STAND has also called for greater accountability and more aggressive measures to combat drug trafficking and consumption.
Many of the protesters, predominantly young people dressed in black, centered their demands on a thorough investigation into the recent seizure of approximately US$19.2 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport in Margibi County.
Speaking to reporters, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu assured the public that the protest would remain peaceful and orderly.
However, Morlu also signaled his intention to challenge restrictions on access to the Executive Mansion grounds, insisting that protesters have a constitutional right to assemble there.
“Let no one fool you; we will go on the grounds of the Executive Mansion because using that ground has never been an issue and should not be one today,” Morlu said. “This is the same place where Jeremiah Koung, Gregory Coleman, Joseph Boakai and others once protested. The Executive Mansion belongs to the Liberian people. It is not anyone’s private residence, and no one has the authority to stop citizens from exercising their constitutional rights.”
The protest comes amid heightened public debate over drug trafficking following recent high-profile narcotics seizures and growing concerns about substance abuse among young Liberians.
Security forces were visible along key routes in Monrovia as demonstrators continued their march, with authorities closely monitoring the situation. No major incidents had been reported as of press time.
