MONROVIA – With a planned protest by the civic group STAND set for Wednesday, December 17, 2025, the Liberia National Police (LNP) has issued a formal advisory reminding the public and organizers of the need to exercise their constitutional rights responsibly. The announcement, released on Tuesday, December 16, and signed by DCP Cecelia G. Clarke, Spokesperson for the LNP, emphasized the Police’s commitment to protecting life, property, and public order.
In the statement, the LNP said it had proactively engaged STAND’s leadership ahead of the planned demonstration as part of its standard preventive and dialogue-based approach to managing public order. The Police cited discussions highlighting public safety, crowd management, and mobility challenges, especially during the Christmas season, which typically sees increased commercial activity, family travel, and higher population movement.
The Police cautioned that large gatherings at this time could pose heightened risks, including obstruction of traffic, interference with daily activities, and potential threats to citizens’ safety. In light of these concerns, STAND was advised to consider postponing the protest until after the holiday season. The LNP framed this guidance as a preventive measure, encouraging organizers to plan demonstrations in a manner that safeguards participants and the general public.
Despite the Police engagement, STAND has publicly reaffirmed its intention to proceed. DCP Clarke stressed that while the right to peaceful assembly is constitutionally protected, it must be exercised lawfully and responsibly, without endangering lives or infringing on others’ rights. Violations of the law, the Police warned, will be handled promptly and professionally under Liberian law.
The advisory also reminded the public of specific regulations, including that the grounds of the Executive Mansion are not designated for protests and that restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles remain in full effect. Citizens and residents were reassured that they could continue normal activities without fear, as the LNP remains fully deployed to maintain calm and facilitate free movement.
The Police underscored its commitment to dialogue, restraint, and professionalism, emphasizing continued collaboration with civic actors. The statement framed this approach as a balance between respecting constitutional freedoms and fulfilling the Police’s mandate to safeguard national peace and public order, particularly during the festive season.
In response, STAND leader Mulbah Morlu held a press conference on Monday, December 14, reaffirming the group’s plans to protest at the Executive Mansion. Morlu argued that peaceful demonstrations at the Mansion cannot be banned, citing previous assemblies by former officials, including President Joseph Boakai, in 2019 and 2020. He stressed that the protest would be disciplined, nonviolent, and people-powered.
Morlu described the planned action as symbolic and community-oriented. “Our brave and patriotic mothers and sisters will bring their pots and spoons, not for chaos, but to cook and care for our people as we maintain a nonviolent, people-powered resistance until our just demands are met,” he said. He emphasized that participants would eat lunch and dinner at the Mansion as a peaceful demonstration of persistence and civic engagement.
The STAND leader also warned against potential use of force by law enforcement. He referenced Inspector General Gregory Coleman’s recent travels to Sierra Leone and Rwanda to acquire crowd-control equipment, cautioning that deploying tear gas or firearms against peaceful citizens would be “a grave and reckless mistake.” Morlu reiterated that STAND would neither initiate violence nor retreat in the face of intimidation.
