MONROVIA – The Chairman of Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), Mulbah K. Morlu Jr., has launched what he described as the Save Liberia Protest Coalition, a broad-based political movement aimed at mobilizing citizens across the country for a major anti-government protest scheduled for July 17, 2026, at the Executive Mansion.
Speaking at the official launch of the coalition in Monrovia, Morlu delivered a fiery and politically charged address in which he accused the administration of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. of failing to address the worsening economic hardship, rising corruption, alleged police brutality, and what he termed a growing culture of intimidation and selective justice.
Addressing supporters, civil society actors, youth groups, market women, and opposition figures, Morlu declared that Liberia was at a “moral crossroads,” insisting that the movement was not about political parties, tribal divisions, or personal ambitions, but rather a national effort to rescue the country from what he called failed leadership.
“We were promised rescue, but we received betrayal. We were promised leadership, but we received excuses,” Morlu told the crowd, drawing applause from supporters.
The STAND leader painted a grim picture of the country’s economic condition, citing the rising cost of rice, transportation, and basic commodities, while claiming that salaries for civil servants have stagnated and employment opportunities continue to decline. He said ordinary Liberians—including teachers, health workers, market women, motorcyclists, street vendors, and young graduates—are bearing the brunt of the country’s economic struggles.
“Liberians are not living; Liberians are enduring,” he said, accusing government officials of enjoying luxury while ordinary citizens struggle to survive.
Morlu also accused the government of suppressing dissent and using state security to intimidate peaceful protesters. Referring to previous demonstrations organized by STAND, he claimed that peaceful citizens were met with aggression rather than engagement.
He specifically referenced the Kinjor incident, alleging that citizens demanding accountability were subjected to brutality, and warned that no democratic government should answer peaceful protests with force.
In one of the strongest portions of his address, Morlu accused the Boakai administration of undermining democratic institutions, citing recent political controversies involving the Legislature, the judiciary, and national security institutions.
He criticized the appointment of Jonathan Weedor to head the National Elections Commission, alleging that the decision compromises the neutrality of the country’s electoral process. He also questioned the continued leadership of Police Inspector General Gregory Coleman, accusing the administration of rewarding what he described as heavy-handed policing.
Morlu further accused the government of being weak on national security matters, particularly regarding Liberia’s border issues with neighboring Guinea, while allegedly being aggressive toward peaceful citizens at home.
He also took aim at President Boakai’s international engagements, claiming the President was more focused on global recognition than addressing domestic suffering.
“Liberia does not need public relations. Liberia needs genuine rescue,” Morlu declared.
Despite his sharp criticism of the government, Morlu repeatedly emphasized that the planned July 17 protest would be peaceful, urging supporters to reject violence, destruction, or chaos.
“We are calling for peaceful resistance, sustained peaceful resistance, relentless democratic resistance,” he told the gathering.
Morlu said the July 17 demonstration—dubbed “Lead or Leave Now: The 2nd Coming”—would serve as a defining moment in Liberia’s democratic history, warning that citizens would no longer remain silent amid hardship and alleged injustice.
The government has yet to officially respond to the latest allegations and the announcement of the planned protest. However, the launch of the coalition is expected to heighten political tensions as the country moves deeper into an increasingly charged political atmosphere.