Flames of Fear, Liberia’s Democracy Under Siege -STAND’s HQ Razed, Mulbah Vows to Press On

MONROVIA – A brazen arson attack on the headquarters of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) was meant cripple its ability to mobilize, just days before their planned December 17 protest, officials of the robust advocacy group claim. The attack, which destroyed key operational assets and mobilization materials, is being seen as a desperate attempt to silence dissent and intimidate protesters. But as THE ANALYST reports, STAND leader Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. has vowed to press on, calling on President Joseph Nyuma Boakai to ‘lead or leave’ as the country teeters on the brink of political escalation.

The alleged targeted arson attack on the headquarters of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has left the organization facing nearly USD 40,000 in damages, just days before their planned protest on December 17. The attack, which destroyed key operational assets, including office electronics and mobilization materials, is being seen as a politically motivated effort to cripple the protest.

STAND leader Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. and his masses-based organization are calling on President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to “lead or leave,” and warns that the attack is a dangerous escalation of intimidation tactics against political opponents.

The organization says the arson has intensified threats to the lives, properties, and families of its Executive Committee members, both at home and abroad.

“We will not be intimidated,” Morlu said. “No fire, no threat, and no abuse of power will suppress the December 17 voice of the Liberian masses. Liberia belongs to its people, not to those who believe power means persecution.”

The attack is the latest in a string of incidents that STAND says reflect a pattern of political intimidation under the Boakai administration.

The organization is urging prominent national leaders to speak out against the threats and intimidation.

STAND has issued an urgent appeal to international organizations, including ECOWAS, the African Union, and the United Nations, to monitor the situation closely.

The group warns that Liberia is on the brink of political escalation and requires immediate international attention

In a statement released by the group, it states that, according to its Emergency Assessment Team, the fire destroyed key operational assets, including office electronics, computers, printers, air conditioners, a 10kVA generator, office furniture, stationery, protest funds, and 1,200 mobilization T-shirts.

The total estimated loss of USD 37,920 has severely disrupted the movement’s logistical preparedness for the December 17 protest. STAND officials say the nature and timing of the attack leave “no doubt that this was a politically motivated effort to cripple the protest machinery.”

In addition to financial and material losses, STAND says the arson attack has intensified threats already facing its Executive Committee members both at home and abroad. These include direct threats to their lives, properties, and the safety of their families back home, prompting concerns about an orchestrated campaign designed to silence dissent and instill fear among protest organizers.

Among those affected are key national figures such as Titus B. Pakalah (National Protest Director), Isaac Jackson (Chief Spokesperson), George S. Tengbeh (Head of Secretariat), Rev. Festus RB Logan (Logistics & Operations Manager) and Togar Alexander Bealded (International Media, Press & Publicity Head), alongside 15 other officers in logistics, cyber operations, mobilization, women’s affairs, youth engagement, and diaspora coordination.

Morlu condemned the arson as “a direct attack on democracy and the will of the Liberian people.” He stated that despite the destruction and ongoing threats, the movement remains resolute.

“We will not be intimidated. No fire, no threat, and no abuse of power will suppress the December 17 voice of the Liberian masses. Liberia belongs to its people, not to those who believe power means persecution.”

STAND says the attack fits a disturbing pattern of political intimidation under the Boakai administration.

The movement referenced earlier incidents, including the killing of a young man shot 8 times under the command of Inspector General Gregory Coleman, as well as the Capitol Hill standoff where their formal complaint received no response.

“These incidents reflect a justice system compromised by selective enforcement and a government increasingly reliant on coercion,” the statement read.

The organization also reiterated allegations that the administration paid the Liberia Council of Churches USD 25,000 to release a politically instructed statement, an accusation yet unanswered by the Council.

According to STAND, such alleged institutional manipulation deepens public mistrust and signals that the government may be actively working to undermine opposition voices.

In response to the escalating threats, STAND has convened a National Emergency Meeting to review security protocols, and recalibrate mobilization plans for the December 17 protest.

Despite the attack, STAND insists the protest remains on schedule and will proceed nationwide. “The arson has strengthened not weakened our resolve,” the movement said.

The group sharply criticized the silence of prominent national leaders, including Alexander B. Cummings, Benoni Urey, former President George Weah, and Musa Bility.

Morlu described their silence as “Concerning as the masses look up to them for leadership at a defining moment in Liberia’s democratic struggle,” urging them to speak out as threats to political actors intensify.

STAND has issued an urgent appeal to ECOWAS, the African Union, the United Nations, US Government, the European Union, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and all global democratic institutions to monitor the situation closely.

The group warns that Liberia is “on the brink of political escalation,” citing targeted attacks, intimidation, and mounting threats facing its leadership and their families.

“With nearly USD 40,000 lost to arson and lives now under threat, Liberia requires immediate and serious international attention,” Morlu said. “The coming days will determine whether we move toward accountability and peace or slide deeper into intimidation and instability.”

As the December 17 protest approaches, all eyes remain on Liberia’s evolving political landscape, with concerns growing about the safety of opposition actors and the nation’s democratic future.