MONROVIA – The euphoria, buildup and expectations attending plans for a nationwide protest on July 17, 2025 herald the silhouette of how fateful and dramatic things could be, for there are all indications that during and after that day, Liberia’s history and human calendar may have a rebrand of the date – no more any other ordinary day. Simple detectable sign is that the organizers ‘are not taking side’—a Liberian parlance for ‘not being negligent, carefree about things’—with the way they are putting their best energies, wisdom and resources into the planning stage. It is quite rare of protests and/or demonstrations in Liberia and perhaps elsewhere to have a manifesto, but the “Enough is Enough” stagers have just promulgated one.
Why Liberians Will Rise: A National Call for Justice, Reform, and Renewal
I. Governance and Rule of Law
II.
• Persistent and open disregard for the rule of law and democratic principles
• Extrajudicial killings, mysterious deaths, and disturbing reports of ritualistic murders (often involving missing body parts)
• Rampant corruption and chronic misuse of public funds without accountability
• Repeated constitutional violations, especially concerning the protection of tenured positions
• Systematic dismissal of public servants perceived as opponents of the regime
• We demand the immediate dismissal and prosecution of all government officials credibly accused of corruption with valid evidence
II. Economic Mismanagement and Social Decline
• A deteriorating national economy pushing citizens deeper into poverty
• Failure to significantly raise the salaries of low-income earners and reduce the excessive pay and benefits of top officials, as promised
• Widespread neglect of Liberia’s healthcare system, leaving millions without adequate care
• Collapse of the public education system, notably in institutions such as MCSS
• Abandonment of the youth and students—Liberia’s greatest untapped resource
• We demand a full review of all concession agreements that deprive Liberia of its rightful share of mineral wealth
III. Security, Police Brutality & Human Rights Abuses
• Arbitrary arrests, unlawful detentions, and the use of torture
• Widespread police brutality against innocent civilians
• Routine harassment and intimidation of peaceful citizens, including market women, petty traders, and motorbike riders
• Illegal restrictions on the movement and livelihoods of Kehkeh and motorbike operators
• We demand the immediate removal and prosecution of top law enforcement officials guilty of human rights abuses
III. Weaponization of the Judiciary
• A justice system increasingly used as a political weapon to silence dissent, intimidate critics, and persecute opposition voices
V. Land Rights and Property Injustice
• Selective and politically motivated demolitions disproportionately affecting poor and powerless Liberians
• Urgent need for land reform to protect small landowners from exploitation by the wealthy and well-connected
VI. Political Accountability and Democratic Renewal
• Broken campaign promises and a blatant failure to honor commitments made to the Liberian people
• We demand reduced tenures for elected officials and the power for citizens to recall underperforming leaders
OUR COLLECTIVE DECLARATION
Enough pain.
Enough lies.
Enough injustice.
Enough lawlessness.
Enough oppression.
Enough betrayal.
On July 17, we rise—not with violence, but with unshakable resolve.
We demand justice. We demand reform. We demand a New Liberia.
ENOUGH IS ENOUGH.
