Liberia is bracing itself for a protest on Thursday, July 17, as the government has granted conditional approval for the much-anticipated July 17 protest organized by the civil society group STAND (Solidarity of Trust for a New Day).
The clearance was confirmed, following a crucial meeting on Friday, July 11, between officials of the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police (LNP), and organizers of the protest who have expressed growing dissatisfaction with President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
The protest, planned for July 15–17, is the culmination of months of civic mobilization driven by grievances over alleged authoritarian tendencies, judicial abuses, and what critics describe as the government’s failure to deliver on its campaign promises.
During the security coordination meeting at the Ministry of Justice’s conference room, key stakeholders—including leaders of STAND, representatives of the “We the People Movement,” several civil society coalitions, and the Youth League of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) — agreed on modalities to ensure a peaceful protest.
Inspector General of Police, Col. Gregory Coleman, who led the law enforcement delegation, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to constitutional rights while issuing a stern warning.
“We recognize the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression,” Col. Coleman said. “However, we urge STAND and its supporters to conduct themselves responsibly. Any acts of violence, provocation, or public disorder will not be tolerated.”
The Ministry of Justice, through a press statement signed by Jutonu Y. Kollie, Director of Press and Public Affairs, echoed that stance, stating:
“Democratic freedoms will be upheld, but the safety of all citizens remains paramount. The Government is prepared to facilitate all lawful demonstrations in accordance with the law.”
Responding to the government’s conditions, STAND’s leadership promised full compliance and pledged to uphold peace throughout the three-day protest.
“Our goal is not to provoke chaos,” said a STAND spokesperson. “We seek to awaken national conscience and demand accountability from a government that has failed to deliver on its promises.”
According to the group, the protest — declared on April 21 as “THE DAY OF THE PEOPLE” — will call attention to what organizers claim to be the “creeping dictatorship” of the Unity Party-led government. STAND has released a ten-point resolution demanding sweeping reforms, including the restoration of constitutional tenure protections, prosecution of allegedly corrupt officials, overhaul of the healthcare system, compensation for evicted communities, and a national referendum to reduce term limits for the presidency and legislature.
Leading the charge is STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, a former CDC Chairman turned civil society leader, who accused the Boakai government of reversing democratic gains.
“This is a nationwide awakening,” Morlu declared during a June rally in Stockton Creek. “On July 17, we will stand united as a people whose patience has run out. The government is cultivating a culture of impunity — using the courts to grab land from citizens and intimidating political opponents.”
Morlu’s rhetoric has struck a chord with many disillusioned Liberians, especially youth groups and communities bearing the brunt of economic hardship.
In a major development, the CDC Youth League — once part of the ruling establishment — has formally endorsed the protest. Their chairman, Emmanuel M. Johnson, minced no words during a mass gathering in West Point.
“Corruption has become the new order,” Johnson told the crowd on July 11. “We will not inherit a broken nation without resistance. The Boakai-Koung administration is fast becoming a creeping dictatorship, and we will resist it lawfully.”
This renewed partnership between Morlu and the CDC Youth League marks a significant political realignment — or perhaps in a new skin.
In an attempt to defuse tensions, the Unity Party has distanced itself from a planned counter-protest by a group calling itself the “Council of Patriots for JNB-JKK.”
In a statement released on Monday, the Party denied any involvement in the proposed “Thanksgiving March” said to be organized in support of President Boakai and Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung.
“We have not approved any so-called ‘Thanksgiving March’ or protest in the name of President Boakai or Vice President Koung. We urge all partisans and supporters to refrain from participating in such unauthorized activities,” the statement read.
The Party reaffirmed its commitment to peace and democracy: “We must avoid actions that risk triggering violence and instead work collectively to move the country forward.”
While acknowledging citizens’ right to peaceful dissent, the Unity Party pushed back against what it called “politically motivated demonstrations disguised as advocacy.”
The Party highlighted key achievements under the Boakai administration, including strengthened national security, price stability, improved rural road access, renewed anti-corruption efforts, and progress under the ARREST Agenda for Inclusive Development (AAID).
The statement criticized unnamed protest organizers, accusing them of turning a blind eye to abuses under previous administrations.
“Liberians must not be deceived by individuals who were silent when governance collapsed in the past. We welcome protest, but it must not be used to mislead the public or undermine national progress.”
