Senator Cyrus had been designated by the Senate leadership to accept the petition on behalf of the body, but the sudden escalation of tension forced security personnel to retreat, and two officers — one from the Liberia National Police and another from the Capitol Building Security — sustained head injuries in the melee.
Monrovia – Tensions flared at the Capitol Building on Thursday, July 17, when an attempted handover of a protest petition to the Liberian Senate was violently disrupted by stone-throwing demonstrators, leaving at least two officers injured.
By Obediah Johnson
The Capitol Building, seat of Liberia’s National Legislature, became the scene of chaos as protesters under the banner of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) began hurling rocks and sachets of water just moments before Senator Momo Cyrus, Chair of the Senate Committee on National Security, could exit the premises to receive their petition.
Senator Cyrus had been designated by the Senate leadership to accept the petition on behalf of the body.
The protest, organized by STAND and led by former CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu (middle in a yellow long sleeve), brought hundreds of Liberians to the streets of Monrovia. Protesters accuse the Unity Party-led government of President Boakai of failing to combat corruption, engaging in witch hunts, eroding the rule of law, and practicing poor governance.
As he approached the main gate, protesters erupted into chants of “Rogue! Rogue!” and began throwing projectiles into the Capitol compound. The sudden escalation forced security personnel to retreat, and two officers — one from the Liberia National Police and another from the Capitol Building Security — sustained head injuries in the melee.
Speaking to reporters shortly after the incident, Senator Cyrus expressed strong disappointment over the turn of events.
“It’s very disappointing. I was hoping this process would be peaceful,” he said. “They are our people, but seeing them throw rocks shows a different intention. I thought they had concerns we could listen to and address through dialogue.”
Senator Cyrus said the violent actions not only undermined the protesters’ cause but also raised broader security concerns.
“This protest has serious security implications. They should have peacefully presented their petition, and we would have forwarded it to the Executive Branch through the proper channels,” he said.
Calling the incident “uncivilized and heartbreaking,” Senator Cyrus emphasized that as Chair on National Security, he was prepared to present the petition to the Pro Tempore of the Senate, who would then convey it to Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung, the Senate’s Presiding Officer.
He also expressed confidence that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai would have been open to addressing the protesters’ grievances—had they been delivered peacefully.
“I am disappointed that we could not carry on this process because of the violence. How do we engage in dialogue when you begin by throwing stones?” Cyrus asked.
Despite the disruption, Senator Cyrus said the Senate remains open to receiving the petition at a later date—provided the protesters maintain order and respect the law.
The protest, organized by STAND and led by former CDC Chairman Mulbah Morlu, brought hundreds of Liberians to the streets of Monrovia. Protesters accuse the Unity Party-led government of President Boakai of failing to combat corruption, engaging in political witch hunts, eroding the rule of law, and practicing poor governance.
The protesters had initially planned to present their petition directly to President Boakai at the Executive Mansion. However, in a last-minute move, the police declared the area a “no-go zone,” sparking outrage among the demonstrators. At the time of the assembly on Capitol Hill, the President was in Congo Town attending an AI promotional event. In response, the organizers have vowed to regroup and return in two weeks to deliver the petition to the President.
