MONROVIA – The long-talked-about July 17 is barely three days away, and the usual national nervousness associated with popular people’s protests or street demonstrations in the country is once again in the air. The high tensions between the ‘rights-conscious’ organizers and the ‘peace-obsessed’ ruling authority seen at the onset of the drive have given way—at least for now—to tenuous calm after a number of negotiation meetings involving major national stakeholders, such as the Liberia Council of Churches. But firebrand STAND, the chief architect, along with its partners under the “Enough is Enough” protest, is keeping the momentum undiminished, with a latest rallying optics conveying militancy and tactfulness, evidenced by the statement they issued over the weekend. See full text of STAND Statement BELOW.
MOMENTUM UNSTOPPABLE — SECURITY AGENCIES CLEAR JULY 17 PROTEST; THE PEOPLE ARE COMING OUTSIDE!
The Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND), in resolute alliance with WE THE PEOPLE Movement, youth wings of collaborating political parties led by the Congress for Democratic Change, the Progressive Student Alliance of the University of Liberia and other student groupings, Citizens United to Demand Accountability and allied civil society organizations, proudly informs the general public—and the thousands of citizens mobilizing nationwide for the July 17 “Enough is Enough” Peaceful Protest—that Liberia’s Joint Security (including the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police) has formally recognized the constitutional right of the Liberian people to peacefully assemble and has given green light.
In a major victory for democracy and civic freedom, the Joint Security has granted full clearance and committed to ensuring that the protest proceeds without obstruction, harassment, or intimidation. This official recognition reaffirms that the power of peaceful resistance cannot be denied.
This outcome follows a high-level meeting held on July 11 at the Ministry of Justice, which brought together protest organizers, senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of the Liberia National Police, and other stakeholders. During this meeting, security authorities reaffirmed their commitment to upholding civil liberties and pledged to ensure that protesters are protected, not harassed.
In response, protest representatives reiterated our commitment to a peaceful and orderly process, emphasizing the importance of preserving national peace and stability. The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Gregory Coleman, provided firm assurances that the Liberia National Police will remain neutral and professional, and will take all necessary measures to safeguard the safety, protection and security of all peaceful protesters on July 17.
AGREED PROTEST ROUTES AND SECURITY MEASURES;
As part of the security coordination:
• our protesters will march peacefully along Tubman Boulevard through Sinkor to Capitol Hill, and from Bushrod Island through Broad Street to Capitol Hill.
• The Jallah Town Road and UN Drive will be reserved for security operations and non-protester traffic.
• Meanwhile, all police checkpoints will be removed from the agreed protest routes on July 17.
• There will be no police presence along designated protest paths to ensure free and uninterrupted movement of protesters.
A VICTORY FOR THE RULE OF LAW AND CIVIC RIGHTS:
This development marks a significant victory for democracy, the rule of law, and civic freedom—especially in light of recent years of restrictions and police interference and in some cases, brutalities against peaceful assemblies. The July 17 protest organizers commend all civil society organizations, youth leaders, and political actors—particularly the Youth League of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC)—for their unity and resolve in defending democratic rights.
This moment reaffirms that when the people stand united in peaceful demand for justice, accountability, and reform, the government has no choice but to listen and act accordingly.
REMOVE STATE-BACKED PROVOCATEURS OR BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY BREACH OF PEACE
We caution the Government of Liberia to immediately remove regime-backed counter-protesters and provocateurs from communities where our peaceful volunteers and organizers are engaging with citizens in preparation for the July 17 ‘Enough is Enough’ protest.
At the same time, we take note of the recent clarification by the Ministry of Justice concerning the deliberate and provocative actions of government-aligned individuals, including notorious operatives and officials of the National Security Agency (NSA). These individuals have been linked to anti-peace and anti-democratic activities, including threats to deploy armed thugs into communities where our teams are peacefully mobilizing citizens.
Such actions are reckless, dangerous, and clearly intended to provoke violence, which we do not seek and will not initiate. These tactics represent a direct threat to national peace and are designed to create chaos under the false pretense of counter-organization.
We therefore call on the Government to publicly denounce these known instigators and immediately restrain them from interfering with or stoking violence against peaceful citizens exercising their constitutional rights.
Should the government fail to act swiftly and decisively, the responsibility for any disruption to public peace, destruction of property, or harm to citizens will rest squarely on its shoulders. The safety and security of the Liberian people cannot be compromised for political expediency.
We remain committed to a peaceful, nonviolent protest. We urge the government to do the same.
CALL TO ACTION:
The protest organizers now call on all citizens across Liberia to intensify mobilization efforts in every community, ensuring that tens of thousands of underprivileged, marginalized, and justice-seeking Liberians peacefully turn out in their numbers on July 17 to demand real and lasting change.
FINAL COMMITMENT TO PEACE:
We reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace, nonviolence, and respect for law and order. All protesters and supporters are urged to remain calm, disciplined, and focused—rejecting any form of provocation, violence, or disruption.
The ‘Enough is Enough’ protest is an unshakable, peaceful people’s movement, rooted in courage, conviction, and justice; and will never back down, be silenced, or compromised in the face of oppression.
Signed,
Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr.
Chairman
Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND)