MONROVIA – With tensions steadily building ahead of the December 17 “Lead or Leave” protest, the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) movement has confirmed its participation in a scheduled security roundtable with the Ministry of Justice, but firmly rejected the involvement of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC). The confirmation came in a strongly worded communication addressed to the Joint Security through Col. Wilson W. Boe, Sr., in response to the Ministry’s official invitation.
The Ministry of Justice, in its letter dated November 3, 2025 and signed by Col. Boe, praised STAND for its orderly July 17 demonstration. “We present our compliments and extend our sincere appreciation to Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) for the peaceful and orderly conduct of your nonviolent protest held on July 17, 2025,” the letter stated. It also commended the Liberia National Police under Inspector General Col. Gregory O. W. Coleman for their “exemplary coordination and restraint, which ensured the safety of all participants and the general public.”
The Ministry further acknowledged receipt of STAND’s earlier notice of its upcoming protest. “We acknowledge receipt of your letter dated October 6, 2025, notifying the Ministry of Justice of your planned nonviolent protest scheduled for December 17, 2025, under the theme Lead or Leave,” the letter continued, reaffirming that such actions are protected under Article 17 of the 1986 Constitution. The Ministry then extended an invitation: “By directive of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General, you are hereby invited to a roundtable discussion on Friday, November 7, 2025… to coordinate with the Liberia National Police to ensure that appropriate arrangements are made for your planned protest.”
That invitation was met with a formal acceptance, but with a major caveat. In its November 5, 2025 response, STAND affirmed its readiness to attend the roundtable while making clear its opposition to the participation of the Liberia Council of Churches. “We extend our compliments and express profound appreciation to the Ministry of Justice for its letter dated November 3, 2025, acknowledging the peaceful and orderly conduct of our July 17, 2025 protest action,” wrote STAND Chairperson Mulbah K. Morlu. “We are gratified that the Ministry recognizes that we are not a violent group, but a respectable body of patriotic citizens driven by an unyielding commitment to the peace, progress, and democratic renewal of our beloved country.”
However, Morlu was unequivocal regarding the LCC’s presence. “We must respectfully make clear that we will be unable to attend the meeting if the current leadership of the Liberia Council of Churches (LCC) is in attendance,” he stated. According to STAND, the Council has lost moral credibility and can no longer be regarded as a neutral arbiter in national matters. “Our position is based on consistent observations and prior experiences that, in our considered judgment, compromise the Council’s neutrality and moral standing, casting its current leadership as more of regime collaborators than impartial clergy.”
STAND’s letter elaborated on its objections with unrestrained candor. Morlu wrote, “Despite their earlier assurance of impartiality, the LCC leadership failed to play any mediating or moral role following President Joseph Boakai’s public ridicule of the people’s July 17 protest. The Council remained conspicuously silent while government actors dismissed the legitimate concerns of citizens.” He added that the LCC’s involvement in honoring a public official whose ascent to the Speakership was “widely regarded as tainted by corruption and political manipulation” has further eroded trust in the institution.
For STAND, the LCC’s participation would undermine the integrity of the dialogue. “Given these realities, it would be both impractical and inconsistent with our values to sit at the same table with individuals whose moral and institutional objectivity are deeply compromised,” Morlu wrote. The group therefore requested that the Ministry “proceed with the roundtable discussion excluding the current leadership of the LCC, whose presence would undermine the sincerity and credibility of the engagement.”
Despite the stern tone, STAND emphasized its ongoing commitment to peaceful engagement. “We remain open and willing to engage constructively with the Ministry of Justice and the Liberia National Police at any time and venue of your convenience,” Morlu reassured, “provided that our above-stated condition is duly respected.” He closed by reaffirming the group’s posture ahead of December 17: “We deeply appreciate your continued engagement and reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peaceful, nonviolent, and democratic advocacy as we advance toward the December 17 ‘Lead or Leave’ Protest, a people’s call for accountability, justice, and responsible governance.”
The Ministry, in its invitation letter, made it clear that the LCC would be part of the security dialogue. “Please note that the Liberia Council of Churches will also be invited to participate in this discussion,” the Justice Ministry stated. Whether the Ministry adjusts its position or stands firm could determine whether the roundtable proceeds with all key actors present.
