Monrovia, Liberia – April 25, 2025 – A coalition of major opposition political parties and civil society groups has issued a stern warning to President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, demanding that he uphold the rule of law and govern with transparency-or face nationwide protest.
The joint statement, delivered at the headquarters of the Alternative National Congress (ANC) on Friday, brought together the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Movement for Economic Empowerment (MOVEE), All Liberian Party (ALP), Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Citizens Movement for Change (CMC), and other civic stakeholders. The coalition expressed deep concern over what it described as “a growing disconnect between campaign promises and current governance practices.”
At the center of their grievances is what they label a sustained pattern of constitutional violations by the Unity Party-led government. Chief among these is the unconstitutional removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa without due process, a decision recently ruled unlawful by the Supreme Court of Liberia on April 23, 2025. The coalition described the ruling as “welcoming” and warned that any failure by the President to comply would lead to widespread public demonstrations.
“The President is not above the law. The ruling of the Supreme Court is final and binding. Defiance will not be tolerated,” the coalition said in its official statement.
The group also criticized what it described as “increasing signs of elite arrogance,” referencing President Boakai’s use of luxury convoys and overseas travel while ordinary Liberians face economic hardship. According to the coalition, the administration has failed to deliver on promises of financial accountability, equitable development, and pro-poor governance.
Further, the statement addressed what the coalition called the militarization of civil society. Opposition figures cited daily incidents of harassment against motorcyclists, street vendors, and peaceful protesters, stating that Liberia is rapidly turning into a police state.
“What we are witnessing is the silencing of dissent and the erosion of basic freedoms,” the coalition noted.
Former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor, representing the CDC, added that the coalition would not support any form of political compromise with individuals or groups whose past governance was rejected at the polls.
“We will not be party to betrayal. The people voted for change, not for recycled corruption,” Madam Taylor said.
The coalition concluded its statement by reaffirming its commitment to democratic principles but warned that unspecified actions-including peaceful protests-will be pursued if the current trajectory continues.
“If President Boakai is unable or unwilling to lead with integrity and constitutional discipline, then he must respectfully step aside from any role in shaping the political future of this country,” the group stated.
The warning marks a turning point in the political atmosphere, as opposition forces signal their readiness to take coordinated action to defend what they term the “sanctity of the Constitution.”