Monrovia, Liberia – The civil society organization STAND (Solidarity of Trust for a New Day) has organized the highly anticipated July 17 protest, which has been given conditional approval by the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police (LNP). This is expected to be the largest public demonstration since President Joseph Nyuma Boakai took office in January 2024.
The decision was made on Friday, July 11, following a crucial meeting with STAND leaders and Justice Ministry representatives, which included civil society groups, members of the opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) Youth League, and others. The meeting, which took place in the Ministry’s Conference Room, aimed to coordinate security measures and reaffirm a shared commitment to peaceful civic engagement.
Col. Gregory Coleman, the Inspector General of Police, who was present at the meeting, stressed that the government recognizes the freedom to peaceful assembly and speech guaranteed by the constitution. He did, however, offer a strong warning against lawlessness. “We acknowledge the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression. Nonetheless, we implore STAND and its supporters to act appropriately. Public disturbance, provocation, or violent activities will not be accepted.”
Through its press and public relations division, the Ministry of Justice reiterated that the government is ready to support legitimate protests while upholding public order. In a statement issued by Director of Press and Public Affairs Jutonu Y. Kollie, the Ministry said, “Democratic freedoms will be upheld, but the safety of all citizens remains paramount.”
In response, the leadership of STAND promised complete adherence to the conditions of the protest permit that will be granted. Over the course of the three-day action, organizers promised to cooperate with security personnel, observe specified protest areas, and uphold nonviolent discipline. “Our intention is not to cause chaos. By calling for responsibility from a government that has fallen short of its commitments, we want to awaken the consciousness of the country.”
Driven by popular discontent with governance, alleged judicial abuses, and economic hardship under the Boakai-led Unity Party administration, STAND and its partners have been organizing the demonstration for months, which is scheduled for July 15–17, 2025.
In a ten-point resolution urging substantial reforms, STAND declared July 17 to be “THE DAY OF THE PEOPLE” earlier this year . The restoration of constitutional tenure protections, the prosecution of corrupt public officials, reform of the healthcare system, compensation for evicted communities, and a national referendum to reduce term limits for the president and parliamentarians are some of the reasons for the protest.
In what many saw as a harsh indictment of the administration, STAND chairman, Mulbah Morlu accused the government of intimidating political opponents, promoting a culture of impunity, and using the legal system to take land from citizens.
