President Joseph Nyumah Boakai appears to be turning a deaf ear to the 14-day ultimatum issued by the Solidarity for Trust and New Day (STAND) on July 17, 2025. Despite the submission of a formal petition to the Liberian government through the 55th Legislature, no official response or invitation to dialogue has been extended to STAND’s leadership.
On July 17, STAND organized a massive protest that drew tens of thousands of Liberians into the streets, demanding accountability from the Unity Party-led administration. The demonstration was marked by widespread frustration over economic hardship, rising prices, corruption, lawlessness, and alleged police brutality.
“Despite relentless attacks on civil liberties, threats of police brutality, intimidation by state security agencies, and the propaganda of regime collaborators, the people stood tall and made history,” said STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu. “On July 17, 2025, Liberians sent a loud and historic message to President Boakai: enough is enough.”
Morlu praised the protesters for their discipline and nonviolent resolve, asserting that their peaceful defiance proved that no amount of repression can suppress the collective will of the people.
“But in an act of arrogance and disdain, President Boakai has chosen to ignore the people’s voices,” Morlu continued. “He snubbed the petition and disrespected those who entrusted him with power. As promised, this disregard will not go unanswered. There will be relentless consequences that will teach the old oligarch a vital lesson.”
Morlu declared that STAND and its supporters no longer recognize Boakai’s authority, describing it as “corrupt and despicable.” He announced the beginning of a new phase of sustained, nonviolent resistance aimed at disrupting normal governance until the people’s demands are met.
“Boakai has tested the will of the people and ushered in an era of endless resistance,” Morlu said. “We will escalate pressure through nationwide civil disobedience and nonviolent disruptive actions. Our full strategy will be unveiled on August 4.”
STAND emphasized that autocrats may not fear elections, but they fear organized, nonviolent disruption. According to Morlu, when protests, strikes, and acts of defiance converge into a coordinated force, corrupt regimes are forced to choose between violent crackdowns or yielding to public demands.
A “Thanks & Appreciation” program is scheduled for August 4, 2025, at 11:00 AM at STAND Headquarters in Congo Town. The event will feature key announcements and calls to action.
Allegations of Corruption and Abuse of Power
STAND also cited growing concerns over alleged corruption and abuse of power within the Boakai administration:
Conflict of Interest: Unity Party Secretary General Amos Tweah is reportedly importing oil and gas for personal gain, potentially building a political war chest for the 2029 elections while undermining local businesses.
LTMI Deal Scandal: The controversial outsourcing of Ministry of Transport functions to a Lebanese firm—allegedly orchestrated by Gregory Coleman, Oswald Tweah, and Joseph Boakai Jr.—has resulted in a 70% revenue share for the company, risking over 200 Liberian jobs and costing the nation an estimated $185 million over 25 years.
STAND described these deals as symptomatic of a regime dismantling Liberia’s economic independence and democratic integrity.
“Joseph Boakai, who once vowed to ‘dance with the devil,’ has sold Liberia to the forces of darkness,” Morlu stated. “But even the devil trembles before the power of God. Through the collective will of a united people, evil can—and will—be contained.”
A Call to Action
STAND warned that the systematic breakdown of the rule of law is a deliberate strategy to consolidate power and silence dissent. The organization urged Liberians not to yield to fear but to continue protesting until economic and civil liberties are guaranteed.
“Dictators fear one thing above all: the organized power of the people,” Morlu said. “When ordinary citizens rise in mass nonviolent resistance, no amount of repression can stop the winds of change.”
STAND clarified that its movement is not aimed at overthrowing the government but at demanding peaceful, democratic, and people-driven change.
“Liberians do not be broken. Do not surrender to fear. Stand tall. Stand united. Though evil has metastasized under Boakai’s leadership, change is within reach—but only if we resist bad governance, corruption, impunity, injustice, and lawlessness through sustained, disciplined nonviolent action.”
Final Message
“Liberia’s hour of reckoning is here,” Morlu concluded. “This is no longer just a protest—it is a liberation struggle for economic independence, democratic accountability, and justice. July 17 was the spark. Now we light the fire. Join us on August 4 to celebrate and say thank you. Bring your voice, your courage, and your unbreakable Liberian spirit. Boakai must lead—or leave.”
