MONROVIA – Matthew Nyanplu, a declared presidential hopeful for the 2029 elections, has thrown his full support behind the planned July 17 protest against what he described as the “callous, draconian and insensitive socioeconomic policies” of the Unity Party government. In a statement issued on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Nyanplu affirmed that Liberians have an inalienable right to protest, as enshrined in Article 17 of the Constitution.
“Every Liberian has the constitutional right to protest,” Nyanplu stated. “This right supersedes any unlawful curb or hurdle that subjects this constitutional dictate to the whims and caprice of dictators and dictator-wannabes who require Liberians to seek permission to assemble, associate, petition, and consult upon the common good for themselves and for our country.”
Nyanplu blasted what he termed as the “Unity Party Political Police” for allegedly attempting to stifle the rights of citizens to express dissatisfaction with the Boakai-led administration. He said Liberians must take to the streets on July 17 to demand immediate action from the government to alleviate the growing hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
He referenced recent government-released data to support his claims of worsening conditions, noting that the Liberian dollar has lost at least 3 percent of its value since July 2024, with a $1 LD now effectively worth just $0.70 LD. At the same time, prices of basic commodities have surged by no less than 12 percent over the past year.
Nyanplu condemned the government’s failure to create new jobs, arguing that only individuals on the political payroll or those cutting what he called “shady deals” are profiting. “The Unity Party government has created no new job for the Liberian people in 19 months,” he said. “Only those in government positions are benefiting while the rest of the people suffer.”
He called on the public to organize and protest in mass numbers, reminding both the Liberian government and law enforcement officers of their national and international obligations to protect the rights of protesters. Nyanplu warned that any use of force against peaceful demonstrators would not go unnoticed.
He stated emphatically that his team will be monitoring the July 17 protest and will refer any state actor who uses unlawful tactics against citizens to the International Criminal Court. “Please go out on July 17 and protest. You need no permit to protest!” Nyanplu declared.
Like this:
Like Loading…
