By: Joekai Yango
KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY – Hundreds of commuters were left stranded in Kakata, Margibi County, on Monday as commercial drivers launched a massive protest against what they describe as ongoing harassment and intimidation by police officers along the Monrovia-Ganta highway.
The protest began early in the morning, with drivers parking their vehicles and refusing to transport passengers.
The demonstration caused major disruptions to travel and commerce in and out of the city.
Drivers allege that police officers are issuing multiple traffic tickets to individual drivers in a single day — a practice they say is making it nearly impossible for them to earn a living.
“This is not just about enforcing traffic laws; it’s harassment,” one driver told reporters. “We’re being targeted, and it’s affecting our families and our livelihoods.”
Fedesco Hassaine, a national executive of the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia (FRTUL), confirmed that the protest in Kakata is part of a broader, nationwide action.
“What’s happening in Kakata is also happening in Ganta, Buchanan, and Tubmanburg,” Hassaine said. “Our drivers are tired of the daily harassment. We need immediate government intervention.”
Meanwhile, passengers stranded at transport hubs in Kakata voiced frustration over the ongoing standoff and urged the government and transport unions to quickly find a resolution.
“We understand the drivers’ frustration, but we’re suffering too,” said one commuter, who had been waiting for more than four hours. “We need urgent dialogue between the authorities and the transport unions to end this crisis.”
As the protest continues to impact transportation in several cities, there is mounting pressure on the Liberia National Police and the Ministry of Transport to address the FRTUL’s concerns and work toward a lasting solution — one that balances the enforcement of road regulations with fair treatment for drivers.
