Monrovia — Mulbah Ok. Morlu, chairman of the advocacy group Solidarity and Belief for a New Day (STAND), has condemned what he described as police brutality towards peaceable protesters and criticized the Govt Mansion for rejecting a petition submitted by demonstrators. He vowed that the opposition’s wrestle towards what he known as “dangerous governance” will proceed.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
In an unique interview with FrontPage Africa after the protest, Morlu stated the actions of the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) and the federal government wouldn’t intimidate activists or silence dissent.
“We aren’t deterred. We stay relentless. We won’t be subjected to the local weather of worry being created by the federal government,” Morlu declared. “We’re going to press on. We aren’t intimidated by the challenges being created by the federal government and by a brutal police drive.”
He accused state safety forces of utilizing extreme drive to disperse peaceable protesters, warning that such actions undermine Liberia’s democratic features and constitutional rights to free expression and meeting.
The December 17, 2025, ‘Lead or Go away’ protest fell wanting its deliberate meeting earlier than the Govt Mansion, as police blocked protesters from accessing the entrance of the federal government seat. Nevertheless, Morlu insisted the protest’s objective was in the end achieved as a result of the message reached the general public.
“Peaceable protest on the Govt Mansion can’t be banned,” Morlu stated. “This identical Mansion has been a gathering place for residents earlier than us, together with the President himself when he stood with the folks to demand accountability whereas in opposition.”
Regardless of the police blockade, Morlu thanked individuals, supporters, and sympathizers for his or her disciplined and peaceable demonstration. He praised protesters for his or her resilience in advocating for Liberia’s financial and social emancipation.
“I’m inspired that Liberians are starting to grasp the significance of peaceable democratic workouts,” he stated. “I’m not solely disillusioned that the police prevented us from assembling on the Govt Mansion, however much more disillusioned that President Boakai fled the Mansion reasonably than face peaceable protesters.”
Morlu maintained that the protest sought to deal with alleged lawlessness, human rights violations, corruption, and the key development of a presidential villa in Foya, valued between US$12 million and US$20 million.
“Not solely did President Boakai flee, however the police deployed tear fuel, and for the primary time since he grew to become president, we noticed brand-new police weapons in public — value an estimated US$15 million. That is alarming. Why purchase new weapons when healthcare is in disaster, the economic system is in decline, and civil liberties are below assault?” he stated.
He additionally claimed a younger protester was critically injured and brought to a clinic, and that no less than 11 folks, together with the PA system truck driver, have been arrested. Regardless of makes an attempt by police to incite panic, protesters remained peaceable and disciplined.
In the course of the protest, a stone-throwing incident occurred close to the Capitol Constructing. Morlu alleged that the attackers have been regime supporters trying to impress violence, however stated STAND protesters didn’t reply aggressively.
The December 17 protest was framed as a nationwide protest geared toward placing strain on President Joseph Boakai’s authorities to answer ongoing nationwide considerations reasonably than ignore public calls for.
Key Grievances and Calls for
Protesters and STAND leaders stated they have been mobilizing round a number of core points: Corruption and Impunity: Requires accountability and an finish to perceived corruption and abuse of energy.
Financial Hardship: Rising prices of dwelling, unemployment, and socio‑financial misery dealing with odd Liberians.
Human Rights and Rule of Regulation: Calls for for respect for constitutional rights and safety towards police abuses or selective justice.
Authorities Accountability: A push for the federal government to both “lead” successfully or step apart (“depart”) if it couldn’t tackle the folks’s considerations. It was a comply with‑as much as July 17 protest — the place related calls for have been raised however, based on organizers, not meaningfully addressed by the federal government.
Location and Stand‑Off
STAND insisted the protest be held close to the Govt Mansion and Capitol grounds — symbolic seats of presidency energy — arguing residents have a constitutional proper to assemble in these areas. However the Liberia Nationwide Police (LNP) deployed closely and warned that the Govt Mansion grounds weren’t designated for protests, urging the group to postpone on account of public security considerations throughout the busy vacation season.
Regardless of being restrained, the protester continued to say that he acted lawfully all through the encounter, emphasizing that he was “going by the instruction” offered by police.
In the course of the tense engagement, a number of STAND protesters have been seen carrying cooking utensils and meals gadgets, together with rice, pots and coal pots, signaling their intention to prepare dinner close to the Govt Mansion as a part of the protest.
One protester, who declined to be recognized, stated the group posed no menace to public order or safety.
“We aren’t going to combat the police. We’re going to prepare dinner on the Mansion,” the protester stated. “If they are saying no, we are going to prepare dinner proper outdoors.”
Protesters Felt Deceived
A number of aggrieved protesters outlined their causes for becoming a member of the continuing “Lead or Go away” protest organized by STAND, led by former Chairman of the ex-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Mulbah Morlu.
The demonstrators carried placards bearing messages akin to: “The nation is difficult, however Mr. Boakai is constructing a US$10 million palace in Lofa County,” “Tan Tan Boakai, son of Joseph Boakai, is a drug baron,” and “Medicine are taking up the nation,” amongst others.
The protesters claimed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s marketing campaign guarantees to “rescue” Liberia and ease financial hardship haven’t materialized.
They complained that the costs of fundamental commodities stay excessive, whereas entry to job alternatives, significantly for younger folks, continues to be restricted.
The demonstrators additionally argued that though costs of petroleum merchandise have declined on the native market, transportation fares proceed to extend with out justification.They blamed the state of affairs on what they described as poor management.
“Issues are onerous regardless that President Boakai promised to rescue us. However Boakai fooled us,” stated protester Marie Gibson. “Persons are not shopping for from us like earlier than, and in consequence, our youngsters are out of college.”
The protesters additional raised considerations about what they described as opaque and secretive authorities transactions.
They particularly referenced the procurement of 285 yellow machines, 50 Nationwide Transit Authority (NTA) buses, and the reported development of a US$10 million presidential villa in Lofa County.
“The Boakai administration is working in secrecy. This raises critical suspicion and leaves residents with no various however to take a position,” stated protester Theo Wilson.
“Relating to the yellow machines which might be anticipated to be introduced into the nation—though we perceive that our folks might profit—the Public Procurement and Concessions Fee (PPCC) course of ought to have been adopted in order that tens of millions of {dollars} don’t find yourself within the pockets of some authorities officers.”
Name to Opposition Events
Morlu urged opposition political events to actively defend democratic house, arguing that silence within the face of police excesses dangers normalizing repression.
“Opposition leaders needs to be alarmed by the militarization of the police, the weaponization of the judiciary, and the erosion of democratic establishments,” he stated. “By 2027, the tenure of NEC commissioners will expire. Boakai will appoint new ones — probably loyalists. Add that to a weaponized police and judiciary, and you’ve got the substances of electoral manipulation.”
Police Arrest STAND Protester
A protester affiliated with STAND was arrested after defying police orders to strategy the Govt Mansion. The person insisted he acted throughout the legislation and adopted police directions, rejecting allegations of disorderly conduct.
Some protesters carried cooking utensils and meals gadgets, signaling their intention to peacefully prepare dinner close to the Mansion as a part of the protest.
Low Turnout, Sturdy Message
Though turnout was low, Wantoe Teah Wantoe, a CDC stalwart, stated the protest’s significance was not in numbers however in drawing consideration to gaps between authorities guarantees and actuality. He famous considerations about public spending priorities, insufficient allocations for schooling and well being, and the mismatch between the ARREST Agenda and the nationwide finances.
Neither the Authorities of Liberia nor the Liberia Nationwide Police had responded to Morlu and the protesters’ claims as of the time of publication.
Morlu’s CSO Neutrality Questioned
Some critics questioned Morlu’s political neutrality, given his previous position as CDC chairman. Analysts argued that his involvement blurs the road between civil society advocacy and partisan politics.
Regardless of this, Morlu and his supporters stay dedicated to utilizing public demonstrations to demand what they describe as accountable management.
