LIBERIA – Four months into Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s Unity Party-led government, Monrovia came to a standstill today, April 19. Students from the University of Liberia, under the banner of the Progressive Student Alliance (PROSA), took to the streets to protest against the government.
The demonstrators voiced their frustrations over intolerable living conditions, including the murder of peaceful citizens and rampant corruption in the country.
The protest, joined by lawmakers of the opposition Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Representative Frank Saah Foka of Montserrado County District #9 and Bong County District #5 Representative Eugene Kollie, as well as motorcyclists, began on Benson Street near the US Embassy before proceeding with their march.
Among the issues highlighted by the protesters were solidarity with fire victims who lost their homes and the recent killing of peaceful citizens in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, in March. Initial reports pointed to three casualties resulting from the presence of armed officers of the Armed Forces of Liberia in the Bea Mountain Mining Company (BMMC) concession area.
The protesters expressed further outrage over the murder of Amanda Nebo at Barnesville Junction and the near-fatal attack on Jessica Lloyd by her American husband, Lucas Richards. Richards’ acquittal yesterday by Criminal Court B of all charges added to the protesters’ grievances.
One of the banners carried by the protesters read: “Mr. President, please intervene immediately to halt the bogus plan to evict over 10,000 citizens and the demolition of the Catholic Hospital community.”
Additionally, the protesters raised concerns about the dismissal of government employees. According to the government, these individuals were not official government employees but were accommodated by the previous administration of former President George M. Weah based on party affiliation. They are calling on the Unity Party-led administration under Joseph Nyuma Boakai to address these concerns promptly.
The protest paralyzed parts of Monrovia, highlighting the depth of public dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. The demonstration serves as a stark reminder of the pressing issues facing Liberia and the urgent need for action from government officials.
As the protesters voice their grievances, it is crucial for dialogue to take place between the government and its citizens. Finding solutions to address these underlying issues is essential to pave the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all Liberians. More details will follow…
