Monrovia – Organizers of the planned July 17 “No to Drugs” protest say the Government of Liberia has formally recognized the demonstration, a development they describe as a reaffirmation of citizens’ constitutional right to peacefully assemble and petition their government.
The announcement follows an official communication from the Ministry of Justice inviting leaders of the protest movement to a security coordination meeting with the Liberia National Police ahead of the planned nationwide protest.
In a letter dated July 13, 2026, and signed by Col. Wilson W. Boe Sr., Coordinator of Joint Security at the Ministry of Justice, the government acknowledged receipt of a July 9 notification submitted by Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) and its collaborators regarding the planned protest under the theme “No to Drugs.”
The ministry said the notification, which invoked Article 17 of Liberia’s Constitution, had been “duly noted” and invited organizers to a roundtable discussion on July 14 at the Ministry of Justice to coordinate security arrangements and ensure public order during the event.
“The purpose of this meeting is to coordinate with the Liberia National Police to ensure that appropriate security arrangements are made for your planned protest, thereby safeguarding public order and the rights of all parties,” the ministry stated.
Reacting to the government’s response, STAND said the acknowledgment removes uncertainty surrounding the legality of the protest and demonstrates the government’s obligation to facilitate the peaceful exercise of constitutional rights.
“By officially recognizing the notification and inviting the organizers to coordinate with the Liberia National Police on security arrangements, the Government has reaffirmed the constitutional legitimacy of the July 17 peaceful protest and its responsibility to facilitate a peaceful, orderly, and secure exercise of the people’s constitutional rights,” STAND said in a statement issued Monday.
The group added that the government’s engagement confirms that the planned demonstration is proceeding within the framework of Liberian law and the Constitution.
“This official engagement removes any doubt that the July 17 peaceful protest is proceeding within the framework of the Constitution and the laws of Liberia. The focus now is not whether the protest will take place, but ensuring that every Liberian can participate freely, peacefully, and safely,” the statement noted.
To facilitate discussions with authorities, the coalition announced the formation of a six-member delegation to meet with Justice Ministry officials on Tuesday. The delegation will be headed by activist Justin Jallabah and includes Foday Massaquoi, Timothy Johnson Kowah Jr., Godwin K. Tarnue, David K. Watson Jr., and Philo Koffa.
According to STAND, the delegation’s mandate is limited to addressing security and logistical arrangements for the demonstration and does not involve negotiations over whether the protest will proceed.
The coalition emphasized that the July 17 protest remains on schedule and urged Liberians to participate peacefully and avoid acts that could undermine the demonstration.
“We therefore call on all patriotic Liberians to turn out in their numbers, remain disciplined and peaceful, reject every form of provocation, and stand united in the exercise of our constitutional right to assemble and peacefully petition our government,” the group said.
The planned protest comes amid growing public concern over allegations of drug trafficking and demands for greater accountability from government institutions. Organizers have framed the demonstration as a civic action aimed at drawing national attention to the issue and pressing authorities to strengthen anti-drug enforcement efforts.
With both organizers and government officials now engaged in formal coordination talks, attention is shifting toward security preparations and turnout expectations ahead of what could become one of the most significant public demonstrations of the year.
