Liberia: STAND Sets July 17 as “Day of the People” for Nationwide Protest Against Boakai Administration

Monrovia – The political pressure group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has declared Thursday, July 17, as “The Day of the People,” a nationwide protest aimed at confronting the country’s deepening economic and governance crisis. 

The mass action will rally under the theme: “Enough is Enough.”

The announcement followed a mass convergence at STAND’s national headquarters in Congo Town on Saturday, where citizens from diverse backgrounds — including students, market women, religious figures, civil servants, health workers, farmers, and transport operators — presented a formal resolution. 

The document called on STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu to lead a peaceful, citizen-driven uprising demanding urgent democratic and economic reforms.

Chairman Morlu accepted the mandate without hesitation and officially announced July 17 as the day of action. “We will go to every town, city, district, and village,” he declared. “We will awaken the conscience of this nation. Not less than 30,000 Liberians will take to the streets peacefully on July 17 — The Day of the People.”

According to Morlu, the protest will highlight numerous national issues, including the rising cost of living, systemic corruption, unchecked police brutality, unfair civil service practices, and the near-collapse of the country’s healthcare system. He described the protest not simply as a political act, but as “a people’s movement to reclaim democracy.”

Morlu also revealed plans to launch a nationwide mobilization strategy across all 15 counties, underscoring the group’s demand that no civil servant in Liberia should earn less than US$500 per month — a baseline figure they say reflects dignity and fairness in a failing economy.

The resolution presented by the people forms the foundation of this movement. Crafted and endorsed by civil society groups, students, religious leaders, healthcare workers, farmers, traders, motorbike and kehkeh riders, and public servants, the resolution outlines the grievances of everyday Liberians and what they describe as a deepening national crisis.

The citizens say Liberia is experiencing worsening economic hardship, the collapse of its healthcare system, growing lawlessness, rampant corruption, and widespread oppression of the poor. 

In light of these issues, the group identifying itself as “We the People” has declared July 17 as a day of peaceful national protest and moral awakening.

At the heart of the resolution is a demand for a minimum monthly wage of at least US$500 for all civil servants. Citizens argue that stagnating wages, combined with soaring prices, have plunged families into extreme poverty and despair.

The resolution also calls for a complete overhaul of Liberia’s healthcare sector, noting that many citizens continue to die from preventable and treatable illnesses due to government neglect and systemic failure.

The people are also protesting what they describe as unjust and restrictive measures against motorbike and kehkeh operators. They say these low-income transport workers are being targeted by policies that deny them a chance to earn a living honorably.

Another critical point in the resolution is the demand to end politically-motivated dismissals within the civil service. They argue that civil servants should be protected from partisan purges and that professionalism and fairness must guide public employment.

The resolution strongly condemns recent actions by the Boakai administration that allegedly undermine tenure protections in government. Citizens argue that these legal safeguards are vital for democracy and must be respected.

Concerns were also raised about the controversial removal of the Speaker of the House, which citizens say was illegal and politically driven. The resolution calls for the restoration of legislative independence and constitutional order.

Police brutality and state-sanctioned violence were also prominent in the resolution. Protesters are demanding the immediate dismissal of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman and his deputy Nelson Freeman, citing a series of mysterious killings and disappearances, including the incident in Kinjor.

The people also denounced forced evictions carried out under the guise of development. They demand restitution and compensation for families displaced without due process or adequate support.

The resolution calls for the full prosecution of all officials involved in corruption and a comprehensive audit of all concession agreements, stressing the need for transparency, accountability, and justice.

Communities affected by mining and agricultural concessions are demanding better treatment from foreign and local companies alike. They point to firms such as Bea Mountain as examples of operations that have failed to invest in or uplift the host communities.

Finally, the citizens have called for a national referendum to reduce the tenure of lawmakers and the presidency. They argue that shorter terms would help enforce accountability and curb the culture of political entitlement.

The resolution concludes with a declaration that Liberians across the country will peacefully mobilize on July 17 in what they describe as a national reawakening. Organizers stress that the movement is people-led and nonviolent, aimed at restoring dignity, democratic values, and a just society.