IPNEWS: There are scenes of heavy police deployment across Monrovia early WEDNESDAY morning ahead of a planned protest by a pro-democracy group STAND.
In a strong worded statement issued by the Police high command ahead of the “Lead or Leave” protest by the group STAND, the Liberia National Police (LNP) called for calm and lawful conduct.
The LNP statement formally advised STAND leadership to consider deferring the protest until after the Christmas holiday season, citing heightened public safety and mobility risks during a period of increased commercial activity.
“The grounds of the Executive Mansion, LNP Headquarters, and the Judiciary Branch are strictly designated as non-protest zones.
The LNP officially released a designated protest route starting at City Hall, moving along Main Tubman Boulevard, and ending near LNP Headquarters.
All existing restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles remain in force, and they are prohibited from entering restricted zones or the protest route.
The LNP remains fully deployed to facilitate free movement and warned that any acts of violence or provocation will be addressed promptly under Liberian law.” the LNP statement read.
inude of the planned protest, President Joseph Nyumah Boakai has also authorized the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) to support the police in restoring calm if they become overwhelmed.
In response, STAND leadership reaffirmed that the protest will proceed as planned, rejecting the police’s advice to postpone it as a “disingenuous” attempt to silence suffering citizens.
At a press conference Monday, ahead of the planned protest, STAND through its head, Mulbah K Morlu reminded President Joseph Nyuma Boakai that he himself participated in peaceful protests at the same seat of power during the 2019 and 2020 demonstrations.
According to Morlu, the planned assembly will take place at the Executive Mansion, a public symbol of national authority where citizens, including President Boakai and members of the Council of Patriots (COP), previously gathered openly to demand accountability and reform.
“This time, our presence will be deliberate and sustained,” the organizers declared, stressing that the protest will remain peaceful, orderly, and people-centered. He added
STAND’s Chairman further announced that women described as “brave and patriotic mothers and sisters” will play a visible role in the demonstration by bringing pots and spoons. He clarified that these items are not intended to provoke disorder, but rather symbolize care, resilience, and solidarity, as participants prepare meals and look after one another while maintaining a nonviolent stance.
The STNAD’s disclosed that on Wednesday, December 17, protesters plan to take both lunch and dinner at the Executive Mansion grounds, remaining there peacefully while awaiting an opportunity for dialogue with the President, whom they described as “a servant of the people” obligated to listen to citizens’ concerns.
Morlu also expressed concern over reports that Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman recently traveled to Sierra Leone and Rwanda to seek crowd-control equipment, including tear gas. They warned that the use of such measures against peaceful demonstrators would constitute a serious and dangerous miscalculation.
“We will never initiate violence,” the statement emphasized. “Our protest is peaceful, lawful, and disciplined. However, we will not retreat, and we will not surrender to fear.” Morlu said
The organizer concluded by characterizing the planned action as a form of peaceful resistance firm in purpose, united in resolve, and unafraid aimed at pressing for justice and accountability through nonviolent means.
Ahead of this planned protest, the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) has appealed to the Liberian government to impose a temporary halt on all public protests, specifically during the Christmas festive season, to avoid public disruption and maintain order.
The Council did not explicitly call on the government to deny a permit to the group STAND (Solidarity and Trust for a New Day), but rather requested a general freeze on demonstrations during December.
Key details:
The Council argued that the high volume of holiday activities and movement of people during the festive season makes it an inappropriate time for large crowds of protesters, which could strain public order and an underpopulated police force. The LCC leadership, including Secretary General Rev. Dr. Christopher Toe, made this appeal to prioritize national calm and civic harmony.
The pressure group STAND, led by Mulbah Morlu Jr., rejected the LCC’s appeal. STAND insisted on its constitutional right to protest and described the LCC’s position as a misuse of religious authority intended to protect the government from scrutiny.
The government, through the Liberia National Police, acknowledged the constitutional right to protest but implemented security measures, such as declaring areas around the Executive Mansion as “no-go zones,” and urged protesters to remain peaceful and law-abiding. In previous instances (July 2025), the Ministry of Justice had granted a permit to STAND while emphasizing the need for order and cooperation with law enforcement.
The situation highlights ongoing tensions between the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and the government’s responsibility to maintain public order and security, especially during peak national activities.
