LIBERIA – The Monrovia City Corporation (MCC), under the leadership of Mayor John-Charuk Siafa, faced harsh criticism today from its contractors, who protested in front of the MCC office on UN Drive, Monrovia.
The angry contractors are demanding five months’ worth of unpaid wages. They have labeled Mayor Siafa as heartless, highlighting the severe financial struggles they face under his administration.
The protesters, struggling to meet domestic obligations such as school fees for their children, rent, and feeding their families, have vowed to continue their demonstrations until their demands are met. One female protester in her forties expressed her frustration, stating, “If the Mayor pays me today and he says don’t come to work, I would be glad.” Another vocal protester threatened that they will march to the Executive Mansion, where President Boakai resides, to publicly shame Mayor Siafa.
Mayor Siafa, a close relative of President Boakai, had aspired to the City Mayor position since his uncle entered the presidential race in 2017. Now, he faces mounting pressure as the protesting MCC contractors refuse to relent. The protesters noted that they had even cleaned the streets before protesting to ensure they were not neglecting their duties.
Sources within the MCC revealed to Smart News Liberia that they were surprised by President Boakai’s appointment of Mr. Siafa as Mayor, though they did not specify the reasons for their surprise. They did, however, express concerns about increasingly unbearable conditions under Mayor Siafa’s leadership.
Efforts to reach Mayor Siafa for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone rang unanswered. Smart News Liberia will continue to provide updates as the protest unfolds.
