MONROVIA – The opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has issued a scathing condemnation of the Unity Party-led government, accusing the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai of trampling on the constitutional rights of Liberians ahead of the highly anticipated “Enough is Enough” protest scheduled for Thursday, July 17, 2025.
In a press release issued Wednesday, July 16, and signed by Atty. Janga A. Kowo, National Chairman of the CDC and the party’s Executive Committee, the former ruling party declared that power must not be mistaken for ownership and warned that the silence of the people should not be interpreted as surrender. The CDC said the right to peaceful assembly, free speech, and protest is guaranteed by the Constitution of Liberia and should not be suppressed under any pretense.
Quoting Article 17 and Article 15(a) and (b) of the Liberian Constitution, the CDC emphasized that these rights are not up for negotiation and serve as the foundation of Liberia’s democracy. “The inherent and inalienable right to protest cannot be extinguished through intimidation or state-sponsored coercion,” the release stated.
The CDC sharply criticized what it described as the “alarming transformation” of the Liberia National Police (LNP) into a political tool of repression, referencing the LNP’s recent public drills, heavy presence ahead of the protest, and reports of arrests targeting potential protesters. The party specifically cited the alleged disappearance of activist Solo Gban and placed full responsibility for his safety on the government and the Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman.
“Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s leadership reflects a clear absence of the moral integrity needed to guide the LNP during a time when Liberia desperately requires peace and reconciliation,” the CDC stated, adding that the level of reported police brutality is “alarming” and should draw the urgent attention of both the government and the international community. The party then called for the immediate dismissal of Inspector General Coleman.
The CDC asserted that during its tenure in power, it allowed space for civic dissent and refrained from unleashing state violence against peaceful protesters. “That restraint was not a sign of weakness; it was a testament to respect for democracy,” the statement said.
As the July 17 protest approaches, the CDC pledged solidarity with all Liberians planning to participate. “Their voices will resonate unconfined; their marches will proceed unhindered. The streets belong not just to the government, but to the people and the Republic,” the party declared.
The statement also called on President Boakai to abandon partisan politics, rise above division, and uphold the Constitution. “We implore President Boakai to transcend partisan interests, to embrace true statesmanship, foster genuine reconciliation, and to uphold the Constitution in the interest of sustaining peace and stability within our Republic,” it said.
The CDC further urged the Liberian public to remain peaceful and law-abiding as they exercise their rights and appealed to the international community, civil society, and advocates of freedom to monitor the situation and raise their voices. “The Constitution is not merely a formality; it is our shield against tyranny, and the CDC will stand as one of its vigilant defenders.”
Concluding with a warning against authoritarianism, the party stated, “Let no Liberian forget: When governments fear the people, there is liberty. When the people fear the government, there is tyranny.”
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