By Naneka A. Hoffman
MONROVIA, May 11, 2026 — Grassroots advocacy group Solidarity and Trust for A New Day (STAND) announced July 17, 2026, for a peaceful street protest against the Unity Party-led government.
Addressing a weekend press conference in the PHP Community, STAND National Chairman Mulbah Morlu said the action, dubbed “Lead or Leave Now,” will climax in front of the Executive Mansion.
Morlu predicted a mass turnout, saying Liberians “from all walks of life” are preparing to join what he called the “second coming” of peaceful resistance to press for change.
He also sought to calm public fears over the slogan “Baboon will divide kola,” insisting it is not a call to violence, but a metaphor for citizens’ resolve not to back down on their demands.
Calling July 17 a “defining moment,” Morlu said the day will mark when ordinary Liberians, speaking with one voice, assemble peacefully to demand accountable leadership.
The STAND boss alleged that civil servants are buckling under low wages, jobs are vanishing, and young people’s hopes are being crushed by rising economic hardship.
“Look around this country—graduates are sitting home hopeless, parents can’t feed their children, and business people are closing shops,” Morlu told reporters.
He said teachers, health workers, kehkeh riders, motorcyclists, and street vendors are “having a hard time” amid what he described as growing corruption.
Morlu further claimed that while ordinary citizens struggle, government officials continue to live “in luxury.”
“This is not what democracy promised us; this is not the Liberia our people prayed for. That’s why the people are rising—peacefully,” he added.
He appealed to students, civil society actors, opposition parties, religious leaders, women’s groups, youth organizations and traditional authorities to “stand for truth” and speak out against what he termed the country’s mounting challenges.
Morlu also took a swipe at President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing him of shrugging off criticism, but urged would-be protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding on the day of the demonstration.
He further urged Liberians to reject the appointment of Jonathan Weedor as Chairperson of the National Elections Commission (NEC), alleging that Weedor is openly aligned with the Unity Party.
