The Liberian government, through Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, has responded to a planned nationwide protest announced by the pro-grassroots advocacy group, Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND). The protest, scheduled for July 2025, aims to address a ten-point list of concerns raised by various groups, including petty traders, motorcyclists, vendors, and civil servants. These concerns encompass issues such as police brutality, corruption, and disregard for the rule of law. STAND’s National Chairman, Mulbah Morlu, also specifically called for the dismissal of Liberia National Police Inspector General Col. Gregory Coleman and his Deputy for Operations, citing alleged harassment of petty traders and restrictions imposed on motorcyclists within certain areas of Monrovia.
Minister Piah, however, dismissed the planned protest as politically motivated, characterizing it as a veiled attempt by members of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) to destabilize the country under the guise of civil society activism. He argued that these individuals, now posing as civil society leaders, were previously political actors within the former administration who have merely changed their tactics. He accused them of opportunistic behavior, highlighting their past advocacy for a war and economic crimes court during the Sirleaf administration, which they subsequently abandoned upon assuming power. Now, having lost power, Piah alleges they are attempting to exploit the grievances of motorcyclists and traders to incite unrest.
The Minister urged STAND and other organizers to channel their efforts towards supporting national development instead of fomenting division. He emphasized the steady progress Liberia is purportedly making under President Joseph Boakai’s leadership, suggesting that their energies would be better spent contributing to this progress. While acknowledging the constitutional right to peaceful protest, Minister Piah underscored the government’s commitment to maintaining law and order, assuring the public that they are closely monitoring the situation and will take necessary measures to protect citizens and ensure public order.
The government’s response reveals a deep-seated skepticism towards the motives behind the planned protest. Minister Piah’s accusations of political maneuvering and opportunistic behavior suggest a perception that the protest is not genuinely driven by concern for the issues raised, but rather by a desire to undermine the current administration. This perspective casts a shadow over the legitimacy of the grievances presented by STAND and the groups they represent, potentially framing them as tools in a larger political game. The government’s emphasis on maintaining law and order also serves as a veiled warning against any potential escalation of the protest beyond peaceful means.
The situation highlights the complex interplay between political dynamics and civil society activism in Liberia. While the government acknowledges the right to peaceful protest, it simultaneously seeks to delegitimize the planned demonstration by portraying it as a politically motivated ploy. This raises questions about the space for genuine dissent and the extent to which the government is willing to tolerate criticism. The accusation that former political actors are now masquerading as civil society activists also underscores the potential for blurring lines between political agendas and genuine grassroots movements.
The planned protest and the government’s response represent a potential flashpoint in the ongoing political discourse in Liberia. The underlying issues raised by STAND, including police brutality, corruption, and the rule of law, are significant concerns that deserve attention. However, the government’s framing of the protest as a politically motivated maneuver threatens to overshadow these issues and potentially stifle meaningful dialogue. The coming months will be crucial in determining whether the planned protest proceeds as intended and how the government ultimately responds to the concerns raised, regardless of its perception of the organizers’ motives. The ability of both sides to engage in constructive dialogue and address the underlying issues will be essential for maintaining stability and fostering progress in Liberia.
