But STAND Vows to Uphold Protest Mandate
The Liberia National Police (LNP) has issued a stern warning ahead of the planned July 17 protest, declaring the main entrances to the Executive Mansion and the Capitol Building as restricted areas.
In a statement released late Tuesday, hours following a confident patrol and warmup by members of the joint security carried live on social media, authorities of the LNP emphasized that these security measures aim to maintain public order and protect key government installations during the demonstration.
Protest organizers have been urged to reroute their activities away from these critical zones, as any attempt to breach the restricted areas will be met with strict enforcement of the law.”
The warning by the LNP comes at no surprised following the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP) official granting of conditional approval for the much-anticipated July 17 protest organized by the civil society group STAND (Solidarity of Trust for a New Day), in what is shaping up to be the largest public demonstration since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai assumed office in January 2024.
The decision followed a crucial meeting last Friday, July 11, between Justice Ministry officials and leaders of STAND, including representatives of the “We the People Movement,” civil society coalitions, and the Youth League of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC). The dialogue, convened in the Ministry’s Conference Room, was aimed at coordinating security arrangements and affirming a shared commitment to peaceful civic engagement.
Inspector General of Police Col. Gregory Coleman, who attended the meeting, emphasized the government’s recognition of the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression. However, he issued a firm caution against lawlessness.
“We recognize the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression,” Coleman said. “However, we urge STAND and its supporters to conduct themselves responsibly. Any acts of violence, provocation, or public disorder will not be tolerated.”
The Ministry of Justice, through its press and public affairs bureau, reaffirmed that the government is prepared to facilitate lawful demonstrations while protecting public order. “Democratic freedoms will be upheld, but the safety of all citizens remains paramount,” the Ministry stated in a release signed by Jutonu Y. Kollie, Director of Press and Public Affairs.
Protesters Promise Cooperation, Government Urged to Listen
STAND’s leadership responded affirmatively, assuring full compliance with the terms of the protest permit to be issued. Organizers pledged to coordinate with security forces, respect designated protest zones, and maintain nonviolent discipline throughout the three-day action.
“Our goal is not to provoke chaos,” a STAND spokesperson said. “We seek to awaken national conscience and demand accountability from a government that has failed to deliver on its promises.”
The protest, set for July 15–17, is the culmination of months of civic mobilization by STAND and its partners, driven by public dissatisfaction with governance, alleged judicial abuses, and economic hardship under the Boakai-led Unity Party government.
A Protest Born of Grievance
On April 21, STAND declared July 17 as “THE DAY OF THE PEOPLE” and released a ten-point resolution demanding sweeping reforms. These include the restoration of constitutional tenure protections, prosecution of corrupt officials, reform of the healthcare system, compensation for evicted communities, and a national referendum to reduce presidential and legislative term limits.
In what many see as a blistering indictment of the administration, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu accused the government of fostering a “culture of impunity,” using courts to grab land from citizens, and intimidating political opponents.
“This is a nationwide awakening,” Morlu told supporters during a rally in Stockton Creek last month. “On July 17, we will stand united as a people whose patience has run out.”
CDC Youth League Joins In
Adding fuel to the political firestorm, the CDC’s Youth League formally endorsed the July 17 protest, with its Chairman Emmanuel M. Johnson describing the Boakai administration as “a creeping dictatorship.”
“Corruption has become the new order,” Johnson said during a mass rally in West Point on July 11. “We will not inherit a broken nation without resistance.”
The Youth League, once part of the ruling establishment, is now a key player in the protest machinery, joining forces with their former Chairman Morlu, who now leads STAND.
Recently, STAND issued a scathing rebuke of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) following threats by its Director, Sam Gaye, to strip security protection from former government officials accused of inciting protest or unrest.
STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. described Gaye’s statement as “outrageous,” “politically charged,” and a “blatant abuse of discretion” that violates Liberia’s constitutional rights to free expression and peaceful assembly.
“This politically charged threat (issued under the guise of national security) is a blatant abuse of discretion and a direct assault on Liberia’s constitutional guarantees,” Morlu said. “Using this discretionary power as a weapon of political retribution is unprecedented, unlawful in spirit, and profoundly dangerous.”
The EPS warning, which followed remarks by former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor cautioning against government disregard for the Supreme Court, is being widely interpreted as an attempt to silence dissent.
Taylor had warned that the country risks descending into chaos if the Boakai administration ignores the rule of law, stating: “President Boakai, you must follow the mandate from the Supreme Court. Either as a nation, we agree to follow a path of chaos, or we maintain calm where our country can move forward… He can decide whether he has a calm country to fulfill the rescue agenda, or open a pandora box that will lead us to a place where we don’t want.”
In response, Gaye stated that any protectee who “advocates for insurrection, rebellion, or violent protest” risks losing EPS protection. “Such conduct directly contradicts the EPS’ constitutional and operational responsibilities,” he warned.
However, Morlu blasted the EPS stance as a selective crackdown aimed at suppressing opposition voices ahead of the July 17th “WE THE PEOPLE” protest.
“The timing of this threat — on the eve of a mass civic protest — exposes it as a calculated attempt to suppress participation and intimidate activists,” Morlu noted. “President Boakai himself, while Vice President, was protected by state security as he led a protest against the very government he now emulates.”
Morlu continued: “The hypocrisy is glaring. To criticize is not a crime. Protest is not sedition. Dissent is not treason. These are constitutional rights—and STAND will defend them with unrelenting resolve.”
The STAND leader also condemned the “unlawful arrests and intimidation” of students from the University of Liberia, particularly members of the Student Unification Party (SUP), for protesting conditions at the university.
“These students, acting within their rights, are being punished for demanding better educational conditions and speaking out on matters pertinent to their academic interests,” Morlu said. “Students are not second-class citizens. They are the future leaders of the Republic.”
Morlu accused the Boakai administration of responding with “a narrow, security-heavy approach” led by “an increasingly politicized police force under notorious commanders,” which he said undermines academic freedom and violates Article 17 of the Constitution.
He concluded with a warning: “The government’s current strategy — rooted in intimidation, selective enforcement, and fear — reflects not strength, but deep institutional insecurity. The Liberian people cannot and will not be silenced.”
STAND reaffirmed its support for the upcoming “WE THE PEOPLE” protest and vowed continued resistance against what it described as creeping authoritarianism under the Unity Party-led government.
