The movement’s key demands include an end to political interference in the judiciary, restoration of legislative independence, a crackdown on corruption, improved healthcare access for the poor.
MONROVIA – Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), a pressure group organizing the “Enough is Enough” nationwide protest set for July 17, 2025, has ramped up its preparations, citing growing dissatisfaction with government corruption, judicial interference, and economic hardship.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway, [email protected]
However, questions about the movement’s political neutrality have surfaced due to its leader’s past political associations.
In a statement released on May 7, STAND announced new appointments to its leadership team, including Samuel B. Jacobs as Academic & Think-Tank Engagement Officer, William W. Broh as Diaspora Liaison Officer for Europe, Titus B. Pakalah as National Protest Director, Rev. Festus R.B. Logan as Logistics and Operations Manager, and George S. Tengbeh as Head of Secretariat.
The group stressed that the July 17 protest is not only about demanding accountability from President Joseph Boakai’s administration but also about sparking a broader national awakening. STAND has voiced concerns about unfulfilled government promises, nepotism, human rights violations, and executive interference in legislative and judicial matters.
The movement’s key demands include an end to political interference in the judiciary, restoration of legislative independence, a crackdown on corruption, improved healthcare access for the poor, a review of concession agreements, constitutional reforms including recall elections for underperforming lawmakers, investment in youth education and job training, and justice for marginalized groups such as street vendors, motorcyclists, civil servants, and victims of police brutality.
“This movement belongs to every Liberian denied opportunity and dignity,” STAND declared in its statement, urging civil society, grassroots organizations, and the Liberian diaspora to join in the protest.
Despite STAND’s push for transparency and justice, concerns have been raised about its political neutrality. Mulbah K. Morlu, the Executive Director of STAND, previously served as the chairman of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) and was a key member of the Coalition for Democratic Change under former President George Weah.
Although STAND has criticized both the Boakai and Weah administrations and called for the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, some observers are skeptical of the group’s impartiality, particularly after Morlu’s recent meeting with opposition political parties regarding the protest.
As STAND calls for transparency from the Boakai administration, the public is similarly demanding transparency and impartiality from the group and its leadership.
