Monrovia – With barely one year in office, the Boakai-Koung administration is under increasing pressure from a broad spectrum of the public. In recent days, there has been an avalanche of anger and discontentment over the way the administration is handling the affairs of the state. Key sectors, including health workers, data consumers, and a segment of the public frustrated by the sustained leadership crisis in the House of Representatives, have voiced their grievances loudly.
By Gerald C. Koinyeneh, [email protected]
The discontent has been brewing for weeks. Doctors and health workers are demanding long-overdue salaries and better working conditions, warning that the health sector is teetering on the brink of collapse. Simultaneously, data consumers have protested against the sudden hike in internet fees, which many view as exploitative and counterproductive in an increasingly digital world.
Adding fuel to the fire is the protracted leadership crisis in the House of Representatives, which has paralyzed legislative activities and undermined public trust. Critics argue that the Boakai administration’s perceived lack of urgency in resolving these issues signals weak leadership and indecisiveness.
WHITE TUESDAY
Amid the growing discontent, organizers are rallying citizens for a large-scale demonstration, dubbed White Tuesday. According to organizers, the protest, scheduled today at the Capitol Building, the seat of the Liberian Legislature, is intended to serve as a wake-up call to President Joseph Boakai and the ruling Unity Party. The protestors aim to spotlight the administration’s shortcomings and compel immediate action on critical issues facing the nation.
Organized by the “Concerned Citizens for the Protection of Our Constitution, Democracy, and the Rule of Law,” the demonstration aims to pressure the Boakai administration to address widespread allegations of corruption, constitutional violations, and poor governance.
The Boakai administration has failed the Liberian people and we cannot stand idly by while our democracy is trampled, and our people suffer. This is not just a protest; it is a constitutional mandate.
Janjay Baikpah, Chairman, Organizing Committee, White Tuesday Protesters
The protest, dubbed “White Tuesday: A Day for Justice,” according to its organizers, seeks to restore constitutional order in the House of Representatives and uphold the rule of law in the country. It comes amidst growing grievances from citizens about legislative interference, economic inequality, and failures in security and governance. The Chairperson of the protest, Janjay Baikpah has outlined key issues driving his decision to stage the objection against the Boakai administration, ranging from Legislative Crisis, where the protesters are accusing President Boakai of attempting to unconstitutionally remove Speaker Fonati Koffa.
Chairperson Baikpeh further claimed that the administration has spent over $5 million to destabilize the House of Representatives, paralyzing its constitutional functions. Baikpeh did not give any evidence to back his claim.
He further laid claims of rising unemployment and poverty, and increased costs of mobile data and call services, affecting already struggling Liberians, and the lavish lifestyles of government officials while ordinary citizens face hunger and deprivation, escalating ritualistic killings and unresolved violent crimes as well as drug smuggling and rising insecurity across the country.
He alleged that the administration is gradually becoming noted for police brutality, including the murder of peaceful citizens, corruption, and governance failures, Illegal dismissals of civil servants and tenure officials, mismanagement of public funds, neglect of critical public services, and lack of accountability for government officials accused of corruption.
Baikpeh further accused the administration of deepening divisions in the country through unorthodox and anti-democratic practices. As such, Chairperson Baikpah has called on Liberians to gather at the Capitol Building in their white shirts, caps, or headscarves as a symbol of peace and justice.
The Liberia Medical and Dental Association is hereby giving a 10-day ultimatum to the MOH [Ministry of Health], CSA [Civil Service Agency], MFDP [Ministry of Finance and Development Planning] and the National Government beginning today, Monday, December 16, 2024, to resolve all the above listed issues. Failure on the part of the National Government through the MOH, CSA and MFDP to address the above issues with the urgency required, will result into a call for full strike action by all medical doctors across Liberia.
Liberia Dental and Medical Association
The organizers are demanding the immediate restoration of constitutional order, including, resolving the legislative impasse and ceasing political interference in the House of Representatives, and the need to address the economic hardship, including reversing the increase in mobile data and call charges, investigating ritualistic killings and ensuring accountability for unsolved crimes, upholding democratic principles and adhering to the rule of law.
“The Boakai administration has failed the Liberian people and we cannot stand idly by while our democracy is trampled, and our people suffer,” Baikpah stated.
At the same time, the organizers have invoked Articles 1 and 17 of the 1986 Constitution of Liberia, which they noted, guarantees citizens the right to assemble, petition their government, and demand reforms when their safety and happiness are compromised.
“This is not just a protest; it is a constitutional mandate,” Baikpah emphasized. The Concerned Citizens for the Protection of Our Constitution, Democracy, and the Rule of Law have assured citizens that the protest will be peaceful and lawful. However, the government’s response to the demands will likely determine whether the protest escalates into a prolonged standoff, as the grievances outlined highlight deep systemic issues in Liberia’s governance and social fabric.
Effective tonight at 12:00 AM, all health care workers across Liberia are mandated to cease work. This decision was reached after extensive deliberations, during which it became clear that the Government has failed to treat our concerns as a matter of urgency, despite repeated appeals and dialogue efforts. This action is not taken lightly. It reflects our collective frustration and is aimed at compelling the Government to recognize and address the following critical issues… Theophilus T. Fayiah, Acting Chairman, Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals
As White Tuesday unfolds, it is poised to become a pivotal moment in the nation’s history, testing the resilience of Liberia’s democratic institutions and its citizens’ commitment to justice and accountability.
Three-day Ultimatum to Restore Data Bundles
Also, aggrieved Liberians, organized under the banner “WE THE PEOPLE,” staged a protest at the headquarters of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), demanding the immediate restoration of affordable internet data prices and free call services.
The group issued a three-day ultimatum to the LTA, warning that if their concerns were not addressed, they would resume protests at the Executive Mansion, the office of President Joseph Boakai.
The protesters, using the slogan “Bring Back Our Data”, have stated in their petition that the recent policy measures introduced by the LTA have led to a sharp rise in internet data costs. This increase, they argue, has imposed severe hardships on ordinary Liberians, especially during the Christmas season when families are already struggling with poverty and high unemployment rates.
Reading the petition, Duku Jallah, one of the lead campaigners of the protest, said the recent hike in internet data prices is more than an inconvenience, stressing that it is a profound injustice.
Accordingly, he emphasized that affordable internet access is a critical necessity for many Liberians, serving as a lifeline for education, employment opportunities, and maintaining connections with loved ones.
He further stated that the abrupt increase in data costs has plunged countless families into deeper financial distress, stripping away a vital resource that should be accessible to every Liberian.
Said Jallah, “This petition is about more than just data prices—it is about justice, equity, and the fundamental right to access essential services. It is a call to our leaders to listen to the cries of their people and act in the interest of those they serve. The current economic environment is unbearable for many, and these additional financial strains are unacceptable.”
He emphasized: “The Increase in internet data costs is a blatant disregard for the plight of ordinary Liberians. In a nation where unemployment is rampant and many struggle to make ends meet, affordable internet access is not a luxury but a necessity. It is a tool for students to access educational resources, for job seekers to find employment opportunities, and for families to stay connected. The recent policy changes have only deepened the digital divide and heightened existing socio-economic disparities.”
Jallah called on the LTA to take urgent measures to address the concerns listed in this petition and act swiftly to restore affordable data prices and reinstate free call services to alleviate the undue burden on Liberians.
Demands
The protesters in the demands called for immediate restoration of data prices, mandating that the internet data prices be restored to pre-December 9 levels, where $5 provided 15 GB and $3 provided 12 GB, which were manageable for many households compared to the current hikes.
They all also called on the LTA to enforce a fair floor price for internet data, ensuring that telecommunications companies do not exploit consumers and that their regulatory duties are performed with the public’s interests in mind.
“End Manipulative Promotions: The promotional strategies currently employed by telecom companies are deceptive and exploitative. We demand transparency and fairness in all promotional activities to ensure consumers get genuine value for their money,” the petition said.
It added, “Restoration of Three Days of Free Calls: We demand the reinstatement of three days of free calls, which is crucial for families who rely on this service for maintaining communication. It is a basic necessity that must be restored.”
LTA Response
In response to the petition, LTA Acting Chairman Abdullah Kamara said that the Board of Commissioners will do everything to ensure that the protester’s concerns are addressed amicably.
Said Kamara, “All of our intervention was done purposely to ensure that this happens, but we are also humans, and when you raise issues that make sense, we will look into it and have it addressed appropriately and within the available time frame that we have.”
Kamara mentioned that they had already implemented some measures before the intervention.
He emphasized that service providers take end users’ bundles, including three days of free calls and data which had not been used abruptly without them exhausting it, emphasizing that these are some of the issues that the LTA wants to address and ensuring operators are complying.
Kamara, however, said that the investors will do anything to maximize profits and not lose on their investment. Accordingly, the government wants to ensure that they are still in the market, but they should not rip off customers’ data unnecessarily.
There is just one misconception we all have to understand; the service providers are doing business. Most of the investors in those companies don’t live in Liberia. They are interested in ensuring that they can get returns on whatever investment they make. If the government of Liberia forces them, they can just close down and leave.”
Wantoe Teah Wantoe wants an honest response within the timeframe provided by LTA
Speaking further the Secretary-general of the group. Wantoe Teah Wantoe called on the LTA to be honest with the group and make the necessary changes in the data prices.
Accordingly, he said their protest timeline indicates the Executive Mansion, and if the LTA does not live up to their demands, they will extend the protest back to the Executive Mansion.
“We believe that this entire isolation contradicts the President’s plan of empowering young people with digital skills. This is a collective fight for all of us, so we appeal to the Commissioners to be truthful to the words. If they are not truthful to the words, we have the mandate from the young people within three days.”
He added, “Three with no urgent changes in terms of what you have promised us, ensuring that with this kind of implications from our press statement that we released, we will regroup within the space of three days to stage another protest at the Executive Mansion.”
Health Workers Declare Nationwide Strike
Not only the White protesters are demonstrating today. The Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals (ALHP) on Monday announced an immediate nationwide cessation of work, effective 12:00 AM today, as health care workers demand urgent action from the Government of Liberia to address their “worsening” welfare and working conditions.
In a statement issued Monday, the ALHP Acting Chairman, Theophilus T. Fayiah, expressed gratitude to health care workers for their dedication and resilience but decried the government’s continued failure to respond to their long standing grievances.
According to the statement, the strike comes after numerous failed attempts to engage the government in dialogue to improve compensation, working environments, and the overall welfare of health care workers.
“This action is not taken lightly. It reflects our collective frustration and is aimed at compelling the Government to recognize and address the following critical issues,” ALHP said.
ALHP’s four key demands:
The group called for improved compensation: A fair and competitive remuneration structure reflecting the essential services health workers provide; improved working conditions: Adequate provision of medical supplies, safety equipment, and resources to ensure effective health care delivery.
It also called for comprehensive benefits, including insurance, housing, pensions, and welfare support for all health care workers and recognition of their Role: A formal public commitment from the government to prioritize health care professionals as key contributors to national development.
Mandate for Work Stoppage
The ALHP instructed all health care workers to halt duties at midnight, December 17, 2024. While life-threatening emergencies will still receive attention, no other services will be provided until further notice.
“Emergency interventions should only be provided in life-threatening situations,” the Assembly emphasized, calling on all health care workers under its jurisdiction to remain united and adhere to the directive.
The strike, if prolonged, threatens to cripple Liberia’s already fragile health care system, which relies heavily on frontline health workers to manage emergencies, maternal care, and other critical services.
Liberia has long struggled with challenges in the health sector, including low salaries, limited resources, and frequent reports of inadequate medical supplies. Health workers argue that these conditions not only jeopardize their welfare but also undermine the quality of care delivered to the Liberian people.
Call to the Government
The ALHP urged the government to address the demands with urgency to prevent a worsening of the situation.
“The health sector is at a critical juncture, and ignoring the plight of health care workers risks plunging the nation into a public health crisis,” the statement warned.
The Assembly of Liberian Health Professionals vowed that the strike would continue until the government demonstrates a genuine commitment to resolving their grievances. They, however, expressed openness to dialogue as a pathway to a resolution.
“This work stoppage will remain in effect until the Government takes concrete actions. Our fight is for a health care system that respects and values the tireless contributions of its workers,” Mr. Fayiah concluded.
LMDA Issues Ultimatum
The Liberia Medical and Dental Association (LMDA) has issued a 10-day ultimatum to the government to address their unresolved grievances, especially their salaries, or face a nationwide strike.
The union announced that their members would begin strike on December 25, 2024, if their demands remain unmet. The ultimatum was issued Monday following a unanimous resolution and conveyed in a press statement addressed to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Civil Service Agency (CSA), and Ministry of Finance and Development Planning (MFDP).
The release was signed by Dr. Gonkarnue Nuahn, head of Grievance and Ethics Committee of LMDA, and Dr. Peter George, president of LMDA and County Health officer, Gbarpolu, and head of Department General and Rural Surgery, Emirates Hospital Liberia.
“While we expect this issue to be resolved amicably, there will be no room for the usual delay tactics on our subsequent plan of action which will be communicated upon the expiration of the 10-day ultimatum. The leadership of LMDA wants to strongly admonish its members to report any form of threats or perceived actions that threaten any medical doctor or dentist during this period,” LMDA said in a statement.
LMDA outlines key demands members’ welfare
The union listed several unresolved issues, including it’s 90 specialists and consultants, their current salaries, and their proper reclassification salaries were developed, adequate drugs and medical supplies at all public health facilities, provision of essential equipment to enhance diagnosis (MRI, CT-Scan, Laboratory equipment) and treatment (e.g., Radiation services for cancer patients, Safe Blood Transfusion facilities) for citizens, adequate housing that is habitable for rural-based healthcare workers, fully equipped ambulance services for prompt referrals, more training opportunities for all cadres of healthcare workers, among others.
LMDA said the total cost and variance or amount needed to be added to current salaries for reclassification has been estimated at around eight hundred thousand United States Dollars (800,000.00) annually.
The LMDA added it has worked with the Ministry of Health, who has forwarded the full list to the MFDP and the CSA for the reclassification of the 90 medical doctors. In addition, medical doctors who have qualified following completion of their internship as general practitioners, are also part of this reclassification process.
“The LMDA was shocked to hear the CSA and MFDP’s recent pronouncement of a 225 United States Dollars addition as top-ups on the gross monthly salaries of specialized medical doctors and 50 USD on the gross salaries of nurses. We think this proposal is unacceptable and a gross insult to the intelligence of professionals who continue to sacrifice their lives in the health sector. The LMDA rejected this proposal in the strongest possible terms and immediately started having consultative meetings and engagements with the CSA and MFDP to rethink this,” LMDA said in a release.
Additionally, The LMDA said the pending strike won’t be tied to demands of salary increment from government but asking for consideration from the government, through the MOH, CSA, and MFDP to reclassify and pay these specialists and consultants their just salaries accordingly.
“From the day each of these medical doctors were officially handed a letter of employment or assignment in their new capacities, the government of Liberia owes each of them the salary for that job group. The LMDA strongly admonishes the MFDP and the CSA to reconsider said 225/50 proposal, as it is counterproductive to the progress being made in the health sector,” LMDA said.
“We believe, and with the strongest conviction, that the Government of Liberia has enough money to pay Liberian healthcare professionals accordingly if it sees them as essential and important professional people. The LMDA is strongly recommending to the MFDP and the CSA, along with all major stakeholders, to find funding wherever they must find it, to ensure all specialists and consultants are properly and fully reclassified in the 2025 National Budget.”
LMDA called on Liberians to join them in their fight for their just benefit, stating that a demotivated health workforce can have consequences for everyone. “Fellow Liberians and those who are directly impacted by the outcomes of our health challenges, our community leaders, our civil society organizations, and the general public, this is the time to engage with your leaders on the importance of taking the plight of professional health workers seriously.”
