The Revolutionary National Youth League of the Congress for Democratic Change (RNYL-CDC) has issued a statement endorsing the July 17 “We the People” protest against the Unity Party government. The group cites widespread corruption, increasing sexual and gender-based violence, breakdown of the rule of law, police brutality, economic inequality, and youth unemployment as reasons for the protest.
“Despite Liberia’s abundance of natural resources, millions of families across our towns and villages suffer from hunger and deprivation, lacking access to clean water, electricity, food, and basic means of survival,” the Youth League said. “Those who afford these necessities often do so by exploiting state resources with utter disregard for the suffering of ordinary citizens.” Emmanuel Johnson, Chair of the Youth League, told reporters that since the inauguration of the Unity Party government, corruption has been visible from the onset. From the questionable source of funding for the President’s inauguration to the illegal procurement of four vehicles at NASSCORP by Sylvester Grigsby, due process has been repeatedly ignored. Corruption has become routine, with numerous officials implicated in misconduct and mismanagement, yet President Boakai’s only response has been suspension, allowing the accused to walk free without prosecution or restitution.
Johnson added, “We mourn the daily suffering of countless Liberians denied basic necessities while corrupt officials enrich themselves. Our country stands at a historic crossroads where we can either watch democracy crumble under elite-driven looting or rise in fierce defense of transparency, justice, and accountability. We choose to rise.” The RNYL-CDC criticizes the government’s handling of the economy, citing widespread poverty and inflation, and calls for accountability and transparency. They also express concern over the politicization of the Liberia National Police and the alleged deployment of ex-combatants to harass peaceful citizens.
On sexual and gender-based violence, the Youth League said the tragedy of increasing SGBV under this government has left deep scars on our national conscience. According to the Ministry of Gender, from January to October 2024 alone, two thousand seven hundred fifty-nine cases were reported, with more than one thousand nine hundred of them occurring in Montserrado County. These statistics reflect more than numbers the lived horrors of girls and women raped and abused in a society where justice remains a dream. On unemployment, the Youth League asserted that thousands of young Liberians graduate from universities, technical colleges, and vocational institutions every year, yet they remain unemployed, underemployed, or excluded entirely from the labor market. The government has failed to craft any serious policy for youth employment, instead offering token jobs that lack real empowerment. Job opportunities are distributed based on loyalty and political connections rather than competence and merit, which is systemic degradation. “Our youth are not trash; they are the future of Liberia, and they deserve better,” the statement reads. The RNYL-CDC is calling on Liberians to rise in unity and protest against the government’s failures, demanding justice, dignity, and accountability.