Monrovia – The Chairman of Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., has notified the Government of Liberia of a planned nationwide protest set for December 17, 2025, under the banner “Lead or Leave – Enough Is Enough.”
By Selma Lomax [email protected]
The notice, addressed through the Ministry of Justice, comes as part of a growing alliance between STAND, the WE THE PEOPLE Movement, and a host of partner civil society organizations calling for sweeping government reforms.
According to Morlu, the December 17 protest is a continuation of the people’s struggle for justice and accountability, stemming from what he described as the government’s deliberate failure to respond to the Liberian people’s demands presented during the July 17 protest.
During that earlier action, thousands of citizens from across the country marched peacefully to demand change on issues including the rule of law, corruption, impunity, the economy, healthcare, gender-based violence, and drug proliferation. Morlu stated that those demands have since been ignored, mocked, or outright dismissed by state actors.
The upcoming protest, he said, is not only a response to this silence, but also a reflection of worsening national conditions. Citing rising inflation, increasing poverty, and deteriorating public services, Morlu emphasized that the Liberian people have reached a breaking point.
He pointed to the 2024 U.S. Department of State Human Rights Report on Liberia as further justification for renewed civic action. The report documents several serious violations by Liberian authorities, including extrajudicial killings, torture, corruption within the police force, and politically motivated detentions.
In a statement, the STAND chairman accused the government of creating a system of selective justice where powerful individuals are shielded from prosecution while ordinary Liberians suffer. He referenced specific cases, including that of Minister Bryant McGill, the suspended Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, who faces rape allegations but has reportedly been reportedly protected by high-ranking security officials.
Another case highlighted was that of businessman George Kailondo, whose company is allegedly linked to cross-border drug trafficking between Liberia and Sierra Leone. Despite serious allegations, Morlu said, Kailondo remains untouched, presumably because of close ties with political elites. Such cases, according to the protest organizers, expose the government’s lack of seriousness in tackling the very issues it publicly claims to be fighting, including sexual violence and drug abuse.
The December 17 protest is set to unfold in every county, with the central gathering expected to occur at the public space between the Executive Mansion and the Capitol Building in Monrovia. STAND insists that this space belongs to the people and is protected under Liberia’s constitution as a legitimate venue for peaceful assembly.
Morlu cautioned the police against any attempt to block access to this area, as was the case during the July 17 protest. He warned that any repeat of such interference would not be tolerated, stressing that the Liberian people would assert their rights without fear or retreat.
The coalition called on the national security apparatus to maintain discipline, impartiality, and professionalism in handling the protest. While reaffirming the peaceful nature of the planned demonstration, Morlu warned against any use of state violence or intimidation, referencing the past use of force against anti-BEA Mountain protesters in Kinjor, an incident that resulted in the deaths of several civilians. He said the protestors will not be moved by threats and would stand their ground no matter the risks.
STAND says the December 17 protest is not up for negotiation and will go ahead as planned, regardless of attempts by the government to derail it. The coalition is calling for sweeping reforms across multiple sectors, including the enforcement of the rule of law, a crackdown on corruption, equitable justice, economic relief measures, improved access to healthcare, and a more serious national response to the drug crisis and gender-based violence.
Morlu declared that the Liberian people will rise across all regions “octopus-style” to make their voices heard. He said citizens will remain in the streets until their legitimate demands are met, adding that this is not just a protest but a national movement to restore dignity, justice, and hope to the Liberian nation.
The December 17 protest, he emphasized, will be peaceful but firm, grounded in the people’s constitutional right to assemble, and driven by a determination to see real change.
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