NEW YORK – A handful of Liberians on Thursday staged a protest outside the New York hotel hosting President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, accusing his administration of failing to deliver on its promises to fight corruption and the growing illicit drug problem in Liberia.
By: Trokon S. Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
The protest came just minutes before President Boakai addressed the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, with protesters carrying placards and voicing concerns over what they described as the government’s failure to decisively confront corruption and illicit drugs.
Some of the protesters accused the Boakai administration of displaying what they called a “don’t care” attitude toward Liberia’s drug crisis, while others alleged that the government’s anti-drug campaign has been selective. They claimed opposition figures have been targeted in drug-related cases while individuals they believe are connected to the government have not received similar scrutiny.
The protesters also called on President Boakai to dismiss Inspector General of Police Gregory Coleman, accusing him of incompetence and alleging that his leadership of the Liberia National Police has placed the safety of Liberians at risk.
They argued that the President should take action against the police chief over what they described as failures in policing and public security.
However, the protesters did not present a petition to the President and did not meet with him. Their demonstration took place outside the hotel as President Boakai prepared to deliver Liberia’s national address at the United Nations.
The allegations made during the protest remain claims by the demonstrators and were not accompanied by evidence presented publicly at the scene.
The protest nonetheless adds to the growing public debate over the Boakai administration’s handling of corruption, illicit drugs, law enforcement and the treatment of political opponents.
