The Unity Party, Liberia’s ruling political force, found itself facing internal dissent in March 2025 as a group of disgruntled supporters staged a protest at the Paynesville residence of President Joseph Boakai. These individuals, claiming to be instrumental in Boakai’s electoral victory, voiced their frustration over unfulfilled promises of employment opportunities. Their discontent underscored a growing rift within the party, highlighting the perceived disconnect between the leadership and its grassroots base. The protesters, who considered themselves key players in Boakai’s ascent to power, felt betrayed and marginalized, their contributions seemingly overlooked in the post-election landscape.
The protest, occurring on March 27, 2025, saw the disappointed supporters dispersed by security personnel, scattering them throughout the surrounding neighborhood. Their grievances centered on the belief that the executive committee and President Boakai had prioritized other matters, neglecting the needs and expectations of the very people who had propelled them to victory. This incident was not an isolated event but rather the culmination of mounting frustrations that had previously manifested in protests at the National Executive Committee meeting and the party’s headquarters in Monrovia. The underlying message resonating from these demonstrations was a sense of betrayal and disillusionment, with the party faithful feeling abandoned by the leadership they had diligently supported.
The protesters’ lamentations echoed a common theme of broken promises, expressing their deep disappointment and the embarrassment they felt within their communities. This sense of betrayal cut deep, as they had invested their time and energy in Boakai’s campaign, only to find themselves marginalized after his victory. The unfulfilled promises of employment left them feeling like laughingstocks, their contributions disregarded and their expectations dashed. This growing discontent posed a significant challenge for the Unity Party, threatening to erode the very foundation of support that had brought them to power.
Adding to the complexity of the situation was the fact that key executive members of the Unity Party had secured prominent government positions. National Chairman Rev. Dr. Luther J. Tarpeh was appointed to the Board of the National Port Authority, National Secretary General Amos Tweh became Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refinery Company, and Campaign Spokesman Mo Ali took the helm of the Liberia Water and Sewar Corporation as Managing Director. While these appointments reflected the party’s influence within the government, they also fueled perceptions of favoritism and neglect among the grassroots supporters who felt overlooked despite their crucial role in the party’s success. This perception of a disconnect between the leadership and the rank-and-file members further exacerbated the existing tensions within the party.
The protest at President Boakai’s residence served as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing the concerns of the party’s base. The aggrieved partisans, feeling betrayed and ignored, highlighted the potential consequences of neglecting the very people who had contributed significantly to the party’s electoral triumph. Their demands for employment opportunities were not merely about securing jobs but also about recognition and validation of their efforts. The Unity Party’s leadership faced the critical task of bridging the gap between the top echelons and the grassroots, acknowledging the contributions of their supporters, and actively working to address their concerns.
The future of the Unity Party hinged on its ability to effectively manage these internal tensions. By addressing the grievances of its disgruntled supporters and demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity, the party could potentially regain the trust and loyalty of its base. Failure to do so, however, risked alienating the very people who had played a crucial role in the party’s success, potentially jeopardizing its future prospects. The protest at President Boakai’s residence signaled a turning point, forcing the Unity Party to confront the growing discontent within its ranks and take decisive action to mend the rift between the leadership and its grassroots supporters. The party’s response to this challenge would determine its ability to maintain unity and effectively govern the nation.
