MONROVIA – The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has issued a scathing condemnation of the recent demolition of private properties in Saye Town, Montserrado County, describing the operation as illegal, state-backed, and executed under a corrupted court order. Visiting the devastated community on Thursday, February 5, 2026, STAND decried the use of armed police officers to carry out what they called a “heartless” assault on vulnerable landowners, highlighting the growing weaponization of Liberia’s judicial system to serve powerful elites.
“These demolitions represent a dangerous and ongoing misuse of the courts to dispossess poor but legitimate landowners,” STAND stated, stressing that the operation directly threatens constitutional governance and the rule of law. According to the organization, the campaign has left families homeless, traumatized, and without basic protection, fueling repeated humanitarian emergencies in communities like Stockton Creek, Sinkor–Old Road, New Port Street, Bushrod Island, Brewerville, and Congo Town.
STAND warned that the crisis is escalating. “We have credible information that the so-called ‘bloody bulldozer’ campaign may soon expand to Wroto Town and the Paynesville area,” the statement read. The organization urged the government to halt these operations immediately, calling for land reform that genuinely safeguards vulnerable communities rather than facilitating elite land grabs.
The advocacy group did not spare President Joseph Nyuma Boakai from criticism, asserting that his failure to intervene signals tacit approval of the abuses. “These heartless demolitions are pushing families into homelessness, hunger, and despair under the silent watch of President Boakai,” STAND emphasized, framing the demolitions as a continuation of state neglect against ordinary citizens.
STAND also referenced former President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf’s support for similar campaigns, noting that the current demolitions reflect a continuation of what they call the Sirleaf-Boakai demolition legacy that displaced thousands during their twelve years in power. “While we respect the rule of law, we firmly reject its abuse by judges, officials, and elites who manipulate legal processes to dispossess struggling communities,” the organization declared.
The group called on Liberians, particularly affected communities, to resist illegal evictions peacefully and assert their land rights within the bounds of the law. “We denounce what has become a ‘Bloody Bulldozer’ campaign against the poor and perceived opponents of the Boakai-led government,” STAND said, reaffirming its commitment to nonviolent civil resistance in defense of people, lands, and constitutional order.
Highlighting the legal violations, STAND pointed out that the demolitions contravene Liberia’s Constitution (Articles 20(a) and 22(a)), the Land Rights Act of 2018, and other tenure laws. The actions also breach Liberia’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, and UN Guidelines on Forced Evictions.
In solidarity with the victims, STAND pledged to deploy civil rights advocates and community organizers to Saye Town to assist displaced families, support peaceful civil actions, and mobilize resources for urgent humanitarian assistance. “We call on local and international humanitarian organizations to urgently assist Saye Town’s displaced residents, now left without shelter, food, water, or healthcare,” the group said.
STAND made it clear that its commitment is long-term. “We will engage competent lawyers to fight for these vulnerable victims. We will go to Saye Town, stand with our displaced brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, and children, sleep under tents if necessary, and defend them until their lands and rights are fully restored,” the statement read.
The organization concluded with a sobering warning about national stability. “Failure to act risks pushing the country toward deeper instability and social breakdown. The defense of land rights in Saye Town is the defense of constitutional governance in Liberia,” STAND said, urging the government to respect citizens’ rights and end the pattern of state-sanctioned land dispossession.
