By Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) of the University of Liberia has issued a strong statement launching a fierce critique of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai and his ruling Unity Party, while reaffirming its commitment to the planned April 14 “March for Jobs and Justice.”
In a detailed communication released on Sunday, April 12, 2026, SUP described the current moment as one of “intolerable and unbearable contradictions,” asserting that Liberia is at a critical juncture requiring decisive civic action and resistance.
The party emphasized that its planned protest is not a spontaneous reaction but a calculated response to long-standing socio-economic challenges. “Our planned April 14 March for Jobs and Justice is not a spontaneous reaction to discontent,” the statement read, “but an engagement with the interminable contradictions of the Liberian society.”
According to SUP, the demonstration is intended as a “non-violent, civic and constitutional response” to what it termed widespread unemployment, poverty, and lack of access to basic social services under the current administration.
The group pointed to a growing disconnect between education and economic opportunity, highlighting what it described as a troubling national paradox. “Thousands of Liberians graduate yearly yet the government has proven unable to facilitate this expansion with a corresponding enlargement of the productive capacity of the economy,” the statement noted.
SUP argued that this imbalance has produced a generation of educated but economically marginalized youth, leading to frustration, crime, and increasing distrust in public institutions.
Against this backdrop, the party accused the Unity Party of attempting to derail its movement through what it called “hypocritical propaganda,” particularly in relation to the case of Christopher Walter Sisulu Sivili.
“We are cognizant of Sisulu’s torment, we empathize with his struggles,” SUP stated, “but we will never accept his situation to be weaponized by the Unity Party to distract our struggle and distort the overwhelming significance of April 14.”
The party further alleged that the Unity Party had previously exploited Sisulu’s situation for political gain during the 2022 elections but has since failed to deliver justice.
“It must be stated in categorical terms that the Unity Party does not care about Sisulu,” the statement declared, accusing the ruling party of abandoning the issue after assuming power.
SUP went on to criticize what it described as the government’s failure to provide compensation or meaningful support to Sisulu, calling it a “grossly disgusting act of neglect.”
In addition to political criticism, SUP raised serious allegations regarding state violence, citing incidents in Kinjor, Grand Cape Mount County, and the death of a young Liberian identified as Joshua.
“The Unity Party is equally murderous,” the statement claimed, asserting that peaceful protesters have been killed under the current administration.
The student movement also referenced past cases such as that of Varney Jarsey, alleging wrongful imprisonment and neglect by authorities.
Amid the rising tensions, SUP announced that it is welcoming support from opposition groups, including the CDC-COP, describing the endorsement as a necessary alliance in confronting what it termed “reckless incompetence.”
“Every Liberian is a direct victim of the reckless incompetence of the Boakai-Koung government,” the statement asserted, adding that the party is prepared to collaborate broadly in pursuit of justice.
SUP further characterized the Unity Party as a continuation of what it called a “neo-colonial agenda,” accusing it of perpetuating economic hardship while relying on international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank.
Turning its attention to government officials, the party launched a scathing attack on Youth and Sports Minister Cornelia Kruah, accusing her of political interference and divisive conduct within youth organizations.
SUP alleged that Minister Kruah has used state resources to influence student and youth groups, including an alleged attempt to disrupt the April 14 protest.
“This divisive madam is running partisan objectives,” the statement charged, claiming that her actions are undermining unity across youth institutions.
The party warned the minister to cease what it described as interference in its internal affairs, stating that it is prepared to confront any such actions.
Internally, SUP also addressed issues of discipline within its ranks, warning members against publicly contradicting the party’s official positions.
“SUP is not a loose association of personal opinions; it is a disciplined, ideological institution,” the statement emphasized, underscoring its adherence to democratic centralism.
The party cautioned that any public dissent against agreed positions would be treated as a serious breach of discipline, potentially resulting in sanctions.
In a decisive move, SUP announced the expulsion of Central Committee member Mohammed Gaytaweh, citing actions contrary to the party’s constitution and principles.
“This former comrade should immediately hand over all party materials,” the statement ordered, while advising the public to avoid engaging with him.
Despite internal and external challenges, SUP reaffirmed its readiness for the April 14 protest, calling on its members to remain resolute and united.
“We must remain united and resolute,” the statement concluded, “reminding the reactionaries that SUP is a living historical monument of blood, sweat and tears.”
