MONROVIA – Former Vice President Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor has criticized the government’s response to student protests on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, after Liberia National Police officers used tear gas to disperse demonstrators from state-run schools under the Monrovia Consolidated School System (MCSS).
The students took to the streets to highlight the challenges they face in their educational journey, demanding better learning conditions and greater opportunities. However, their peaceful demonstration quickly turned chaotic when security forces intervened, leading to what witnesses described as harassment and excessive force against the protesters.
Howard-Taylor expressed deep concern over the incident, noting Liberia’s history of student-led movements that have ignited major political shifts, including the fall of the Tolbert and Taylor administrations. She argued that the government’s heavy-handed response raises questions about its commitment to democracy and the well-being of its citizens.
“Their demands are legitimate and deserve attention,” she wrote. “This IS WHAT THE RESCUE MISSION IS EXPECTED TO DO, NOT ARREST, TEAR GAS, AND HARASS INNOCENT STUDENTS.”
The former vice president urged the administration of President Joseph Boakai to engage in dialogue rather than resort to force, emphasizing that the youth are the future of the nation. She called on the government to prioritize education and address the pressing concerns raised by students, warning that failure to do so could have lasting consequences.
The police action has generated criticism from civil society organizations and human rights advocates, who argue that the crackdown on peaceful protesters contradicts democratic principles. Meanwhile, the government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
