Demonstrators took to the streets of Monrovia Wednesday accusing President Joseph Boakai of failing to honor commitments made during his campaign.
Organized by Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), the protesters, many of whom carried placards and chanted slogans, said they felt “fooled” by the president’s leadership, reflecting growing frustration among sections of the population.
The head of STAND, Mulbah Morlue, told local media Tuesday that no level of intimidation will prevent the protest from taking place.
The grievances center on unmet expectations regarding economic relief, job creation, and anti-corruption measures. Protesters argued that promises of swift reforms have not materialized, leaving communities struggling with rising costs and limited opportunities.
Police maintained a visible presence during the protest but reported no major incidents of violence. Organizers said the demonstration was intended to draw attention to what they described as a widening gap between the government’s rhetoric and the realities faced by ordinary Liberians.
The government has not yet issued an official response to the protest, though officials have previously emphasized that reforms take time and urged citizens to remain patient. Analysts note that the demonstration highlights the challenges Boakai faces in balancing public expectations with the slow pace of policy implementation.
Little progress
Recently, Liberia qualified for the second U.S. Millennium Challenge Compact, which is set to provide around US$3 million.
The government states that this funding will help boost economic development. Additionally, the Boakai government signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States in early December for the health sector, totaling approximately US$150 million.
However, some critics argue that the government has not clarified how citizens’ personal data will be managed during the implementation of this grant.
