By Our Staff Writer | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Isaac W. Jackson, former Deputy Information Minister and former Liberian Permanent Representative to the International Maritime Organization, has called for a mass protest against President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration, urging Liberians to demand what he described as principled resignations from public officials over worsening national conditions, including drug trafficking concerns, corruption, insecurity, and economic hardship.
In a statement published on his official Facebook page on Monday, June 22, 2026, Jackson argued that Liberia is facing deep governance challenges that require urgent public pressure and accountability from those in leadership positions. He also announced support for a planned mass protest scheduled for July 17, 2026, which he said should serve as a national call to action against deteriorating conditions in the country.
Jackson questioned why senior government officials in Liberia have not taken responsibility for what he described as policy failures and leadership shortcomings. He contrasted this with what he presented as examples of political accountability in other democracies.
Drawing a comparison with developments in the United Kingdom, Jackson referenced the reported resignation of British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, alongside the earlier departures of senior Cabinet ministers Wes Streeting and John Healey, who were cited as having raised concerns over leadership decisions and national security issues. He used the example to argue that public officials in other systems often step aside when they believe leadership direction conflicts with national interest or personal principles.
Turning his attention back to Liberia, Jackson said the country is experiencing a steady decline in governance standards, warning that urgent corrective action is needed. He accused some government officials of remaining silent in the face of what he described as worsening national conditions, while continuing to occupy positions of authority.
He also raised concerns about Liberia’s security and governance environment, referencing public debates over drug trafficking and broader criminal networks. His comments come amid heightened national attention on drug-related cases and ongoing discussions about the country’s capacity to respond to transnational crime.
Jackson further questioned the moral and ethical responsibility of public officials, particularly those who describe themselves as principled or God-fearing, asking why they have not stepped down in response to national challenges they are unable or unwilling to resolve.
“When will we witness principled resignations within our own system of governance?” he asked, defining such resignations as the voluntary departure of officials who can no longer support government actions or policies that conflict with their values.
He warned that, in his view, meaningful change may not come from within the political system without sustained pressure from citizens. Jackson therefore urged ordinary Liberians to mobilize for what he described as peaceful mass action on July 17, 2026.
He called for protests against what he described as the country’s transformation into a drug transit point, alongside concerns over corruption, disregard for the rule of law, worsening insecurity, economic hardship, poverty, and deepening tribal divisions.
According to Jackson, citizen action remains the most effective means of demanding accountability and restoring integrity in governance. He argued that public pressure is necessary to compel leaders to act in the national interest.
“The future of our country depends on the courage of its citizens to demand accountability, integrity, and good governance,” Jackson wrote, ending his statement with a call for mobilization.
His remarks add to ongoing political debate in Liberia regarding governance, accountability, and national security, particularly as public concern grows over drug-related incidents and economic pressures.
While the Boakai administration has consistently defended its efforts to address corruption, strengthen institutions, and improve national security, critics continue to argue that more decisive action is needed to confront the country’s emerging challenges.
