NATIONAL NEWS
MONROVIA – The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) has officially endorsed the planned July 17 nationwide protest organized by the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), calling on Liberians to join the demonstration over what it describes as worsening economic hardship, governance failures and accountability concerns.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
In a statement signed by Secretary-General David Howard Jr. and approved by Chairman Odecious Mulbah, SUP said its endorsement is rooted in a shared commitment with STAND to address the country’s economic and social challenges, including rising prices, unemployment, weaknesses in the education and healthcare sectors, and concerns over governance.
The student-based political organization said it views the planned protest as part of a broader campaign to demand accountability from the Boakai-Koung administration.
SUP also called on Vice President Jeremiah Kpan Koung to voluntarily submit himself to what it described as an independent, international and unrestricted investigation into the country’s ongoing drug trafficking crisis.
The organization argued that allegations linking senior government officials to transnational drug trafficking should be investigated transparently to protect public confidence in state institutions.
It said any investigation should involve foreign forensic experts, regional security bodies and independent civil society observers.
SUP acknowledged that publicly circulated reports and photographs involving the Vice President and individuals alleged to have links to drug trafficking do not, by themselves, establish criminal wrongdoing.
However, it said the allegations warrant an independent investigation to address public concerns.
The Vice President has not been charged with any crime and has previously denied wrongdoing. Authorities have also not publicly accused him of involvement in the recent drug trafficking case.
The student movement further demanded the immediate dismissal of Liberia National Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, accusing him of presiding over what it described as an incomplete investigation into the seizure of approximately US$19.2 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport.
According to SUP, the police report leaves significant questions unanswered, including an alleged delay in securing the suspicious shipment, the identities of individuals who may have assisted the operation, and the status of several suspects who remain at large.
The organization argued that the report failed to identify any public officials, airport personnel or security officers who may have facilitated the movement of the narcotics, despite acknowledging attempts to influence security personnel during the investigation.
SUP said it has therefore rejected the findings of the police investigation and reiterated its call for an independent, impartial and internationally supported inquiry into the drug case.
The organization urged civil society groups, students, workers and other citizens to participate in STAND’s July 17 protest, saying the demonstration presents an opportunity for Liberians to demand greater transparency, accountability and improved governance.
The government has not yet publicly responded to SUP’s latest statement.
