Liberia’s capital, Monrovia, is bracing for potential unrest as a 14-day ultimatum expires, demanding Joseph Boakai’s administration address the country’s deepening economic crisis and alleged corruption. Tens of thousands of Liberians participated in the July 17 “Enough is Enough” protest, citing worsening poverty, inequality, and lawlessness under Boakai’s leadership.
The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) organization led the protests, presenting 11 key demands to the Unity Party-led government, including the dismissal and prosecution of corrupt officials, independent audits, and emergency economic measures to create jobs and increase investment in healthcare and education. STAND is urging President Boakai to comply with the people’s demands, emphasizing the need for immediate action to ensure survival, safety, and security.
The Constitution of Liberia entrusts the President with the sacred obligation to defend the Constitution, uphold the rule of law, and ensure public accountability. However, STAND claims that President Joseph N. Boakai has willfully neglected this duty, enabling unchecked corruption, shielding wrongdoers, and dismantling the system of checks and balances. Under his leadership, Liberia is sinking deeper into crisis, marked by worsening poverty, rising inequality, and rampant lawlessness. The suffering of the people has reached unbearable levels, and the nation is bleeding. They demand economic justice, increased wages, reliable public services, youth empowerment, and protection of vulnerable communities from land grabbing and forced evictions.
STAND has expressed concerns about several Liberian government officials, citing allegations of misconduct and corruption. Vice President Jeremiah Koung is among those mentioned, with allegations of interference in the Supreme Court’s ruling on the ousting of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa. Samuel Kofi Woods, National Security Advisor to President Joseph Boakai, who lacks any background in law enforcement, the military, or security science, Minister of Justice Oswald Tweh, and Inspector General Gregory Coleman have been implicated in the torture of Andrew Lawson and Albert Weah, who are currently facing trial for their alleged roles in the arson attack on the Capitol Building in December 2024. Additionally, Woods attempted to recruit John Nyanti to provide false testimony against former Speaker Cllr. Jonathan Fonati Koffa. Other officials mentioned include Mamaka Bility, Minister of State Without Portfolio, who is associated with the Putu Iron Ore concession scandal and the “Yellow Machine” procurement scandal. Sylvester M. Grigsby, Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, has faced allegations of financial misconduct. Mo Ali, Managing Director of LWSC, is said to have defied legislative orders and misdirected funds, according to STAND.
Additionally, STAND has raised concerns about Roland Giddings, Minister of Public Works, who awarded contracts to firms that failed to improve roads. Patrick Honnah, Commissioner of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA), has faced criticism for his salary benefits and perks. Amos Tweh, Managing Director of the Liberia Petroleum Refining Company (LPRC), is accused of using LPRC funds for partisan activities.
STAND has also mentioned Sekou Dukuly, Managing Director of the National Port Authority (NPA), who is alleged to be involved in a financial transaction that raises transparency concerns. Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman has faced accusations of weaponizing the Liberia National Police into a brutal tool of political oppression, orchestrating the harassment and violent suppression of peaceful protesters and vulnerable workers through the enforcement of illegal regulations and under his command, law enforcement officers have perpetrated daily abuses against civilians, culminating in the tragic murder of three protesters in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County—an atrocity that underscores the grave threat his leadership poses to Liberia’s fragile democracy, public safety, and rule of law. Major General Davidson Forleh, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia, has been criticized for the treatment of Liberian soldiers.
Mulbah Morlu, Chairman of STAND, warns that if President Boakai fails to respond within the 14-day timeframe, there will be an even stronger, unrelenting and louder nationwide protest with tougher demands, and the people will not be silenced nor ignored.
