MONROVIA – The civic group Solidarity and Trust for A New Day (STAND) has firmly rejected the Liberia National Police’s (LNP) declaration that the grounds of the Executive Mansion are “not designated for protests,” insisting that citizens retain the constitutional right to assemble peacefully at the seat of government. In a press release issued on December 16, 2015, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu Jr. described the police claim as “historically dishonest, legally baseless, and politically selective,” asserting that it constitutes a direct affront to Liberia’s democratic principles.
STAND emphasized that the same Executive Mansion grounds were lawfully used for peaceful protests and assemblies in 2019 and 2020 by those currently in power. “It is both shameful and hypocritical that what was lawful yesterday is suddenly deemed unlawful today simply because citizens demand accountability,” Morlu stated. The statement framed the police’s action as an attempt to intimidate citizens rather than enforce legitimate public safety concerns.
The group further highlighted that constitutional rights do not expire, relocate, or disappear with a change in political leadership. “Peaceful assembly at or near the seat of government is a globally recognized democratic norm,” Morlu said. He pledged that STAND’s demonstration would be conducted lawfully, peacefully, and resolutely, without provocation or fear.
Addressing the police’s argument regarding public safety during the festive season, STAND dismissed the rationale as a pretext to suppress dissent. Morlu argued that millions of Liberians are grappling with poverty, unemployment, and state abuses, making the so-called “festive season” irrelevant as a reason to block protest. “Christmas is being weaponized as a cover to silence suffering while a privileged elite feasts in excess,” he said, stressing that the Constitution allows no holiday suspension of citizens’ rights.
The group called on the LNP to commit publicly to refraining from excessive force, the use of tear gas or live ammunition, and harassment or arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters. “Silence on these matters is not neutrality, but complicity,” Morlu warned, underscoring the importance of safeguarding human rights and maintaining professional law enforcement conduct.
Morlu also issued a stark warning against intimidation, asserting that any attempt to suppress or confront peaceful protesters would be a direct responsibility of those issuing such orders. “History is unambiguous: governments that turn state security against peaceful citizens always fail, and the consequences follow the perpetrators, not the people,” he said.
The press release reaffirmed STAND’s final position, insisting that the December 17 “LEAD OR LEAVE” protest would proceed as planned. The demonstration, the group emphasized, will remain peaceful, orderly, and constitutional, regardless of police threats or autocratic pressure.
STAND framed the protest as a broader civic action, asserting that Liberia belongs to its people, not to officials, uniforms, or temporary occupants of power. The planned march symbolizes citizen empowerment and a demand for accountability from government leaders, highlighting frustrations over corruption, impunity, and socio-economic inequalities.
The group’s strong statement comes amid heightened tensions between civil society organizations and the police, reflecting ongoing debates about the scope of peaceful assembly and law enforcement’s role in managing public dissent. Observers note that STAND’s unwavering stance signals growing civic activism in Liberia’s capital.
As the nation prepares for the December 17 protest, STAND’s message is clear: “Tomorrow, we march to the Mansion. Unstoppable.” With a focus on nonviolence, constitutional rights, and citizen empowerment, the protest is poised to test Liberia’s commitment to democratic norms and the protection of civil liberties.
