By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon199seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The group under the banner ‘WE THE PEOPLE” has declared July 17, 2025 as a nationwide protest against what it calls bad governance in the Unity Party administration.
‘WE THE PEOPLE’ is a united national movement of Liberians from all walks of life — including civil society organizations, religious leaders, students, women, farmers, healthcare workers, motorbike and kehkeh riders, petty traders, and civil servants — formed to defend democracy, advance justice, and demand reform across the Republic of Liberia.
At a news conference on Saturday April 19, 2025, the Chairman of a Civil Society Advocacy Movement the ‘Solidarity & Trust For a New Day (STAND) Mulbah Morlu announced the pressing need of the protest, saying Liberia is currently experiencing a national crisis marked by worsening economic hardship, the collapse of the healthcare system, rising lawlessness, rampant corruption, and the systematic oppression of ordinary citizens.
In an eleven count resolution, the group said the people of Liberia can no longer afford to live under these “oppressive” conditions, and the time has come for a collective national awakening in defense of their dignity, rights, and future.
In their resolution, the group is demanding a living wage of no less than $500 USD for all civil servants, as a response to alleged unbearable living conditions, stagnant wages, and widespread suffering.
The group mentioned that the Healthcare system as collapse under the UP regime and that the people of Liberia are demanding a complete overhaul of the national healthcare system to ensure that no Liberian dies from treatable illnesses due to government neglect.
“On the Injustice Toward Motorbike and Kehkeh Operators The people demand the immediate reversal of all unjust restrictions placed upon motorbike and kehkeh operators, who are law-abiding citizens contributing to the national economy. 4. On Political Retaliation in the Civil Service The people demand an end to all politically-motivated dismissals of civil servants and a restoration of fairness and justice in public service employment. 5. On the Violation of Tenure Protections The people demand the immediate reversal of actions by President Boakai that undermine tenure security, as these protections are sacred to democratic governance.” Morlu said.
In another count, ‘WE THE PEOPLE’ is calling for the restoration of legislative independence, the rule of law, and constitutional order following political interference in the Legislature; making reference to the impasse that has engulfed the House of Representatives for year.
“On Police Brutality and State-Sanctioned Oppression The people demand the immediate dismissal of Police Director Coleman and Deputy Director Nelson Freeman, and a full investigation into the Kinjor killings and other acts of state violence and mysterious disappearances. 8. On Forced Evictions Without Compensation The people demand fair compensation and restitution for all victims of forced evictions carried out under the false pretense of development.” The movement noted.
‘WE THE PEOPLE’ also wants a full prosecution of all public officials involved in corruption and a comprehensive review of all concession agreements, just benefits, transparency, and infrastructure development for all host communities affected by multinational companies such as Bea Mountain.
According to Chairman Morlu there should be a national referendum to reduce the tenure of lawmakers and the presidency, in order to promote accountability and responsible leadership.
“BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that WE THE PEOPLE will mobilize across the length and breadth of Liberia to peacefully converge on July 17, 2025, in a united call for change — a day not merely of protest, but of national reawakening and civic renewal. On THE DAY OF THE PEOPLE, we shall: – Stand against injustice – Speak truth to power – Rise as one people for a better Liberia Adopted this 19th Day of April 2025 On behalf of WE THE PEOPLE”
