MONROVIA — Solidarity & Trust for A New Day (STAND), a grassroots movement dedicated to advocating for justice, accountability, and the rights of marginalized communities in Liberia, launched with fervor at Unification Park on Sunday. The event marked a significant moment in Liberia’s civil society, as STAND unveiled its comprehensive platform and rallied citizens to take a stand for a better Liberia.
Amidst a backdrop of growing geopolitical tensions and a need for strong civil society initiatives, STAND emerged as a beacon of hope, promising to bridge governance gaps and challenge authoritarian tendencies in Liberia. Speaking at the launch, Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., Chairman of STAND, emphasized the urgent need for civil society intervention in the face of eroding public trust and escalating domestic skepticism towards government policies.
Morlu articulated STAND’s unwavering commitment to advocating for a rule-based system and rebuilding trust in Liberia’s democratic institutions. He stated, “In these challenging times, rebuilding trust in the democratic system requires the rise of a robust civil society capable of holding the government accountable and championing a fair and equitable society, thus reducing the likelihood of unrest.”
STAND’s platform resonated with attendees, who expressed solidarity with its mission to promote democratic values, advocate for good governance, and ensure justice for all citizens. The movement’s pledge to empower citizens and build civil society coalitions garnered widespread support, reflecting a growing demand for grassroots activism in Liberia.
Addressing the pressing national issues, STAND took a firm stance on the establishment of a Special War & Economic Crimes Court, calling for accountability for those responsible for grave crimes committed during Liberia’s civil unrest. Morlu praised the endorsement of the court by the lower house of the National Legislature and urged the Senate to prioritize the nation’s interests by legislating its establishment.
The movement also extended gratitude to the United States government and international allies for their support towards ending impunity in Liberia. Additionally, STAND welcomed President Boakai’s initiatives on assets recovery and governmental audits, emphasizing the importance of maintaining integrity and professionalism in these endeavors.
However, STAND did not shy away from addressing recent incidents of police brutality, particularly in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County. Morlu condemned the excessive use of force against peaceful protesters and announced STAND’s deployment of a fact-finding team to investigate the alleged violations.
In conclusion, STAND urged President Boakai to uphold democratic principles and halt tenure position violations, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law. The movement expressed gratitude to the Liberian people for their unwavering support and vowed to continue advocating for their best interests.
The launch of STAND at Unification Park marked the beginning of a new chapter in Liberia’s civil society, as citizens united under a common vision for a just and equitable society. With its bold platform and unwavering commitment to accountability, STAND aims to be a driving force for positive change in Liberia’s future.