Hundreds of angry Liberians poured into the streets of Monrovia on Thursday, chanting “enough is enough” and demanding accountability from President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
The protest, led by opposition figure Mulbah Morlu, is the largest public demonstration since Boakai assumed office last year on a wave of promises to reform governance and improve living conditions.
Protesters carried placards and voiced frustrations over what they described as broken campaign pledges, politically motivated firings, and the government’s failure to establish a long-promised war crimes court.
“I am very angry. This is why I am in the street today,” said Victoria Roberts, a local businesswoman. “I am in the street to remind my government of their past promises that they made to we, the Liberian people. How can you say that you came to better the lives of the people, but then you came and took people from jobs? Is that what you call betterment?”
A central demand of the protest is the establishment of a war crimes tribunal to prosecute individuals accused of atrocities committed during Liberia’s two civil wars, which spanned from 1989 to 2003.
“We the motorcyclists, we want a war crimes court,” said Dougis Smith, an opposition supporter. “The war crimes court should not be for Prince Johnson alone. ‘General Butt Naked’ needs to go to the war crimes court too.”
Many demonstrators expressed frustration that key figures allegedly involved in war-time atrocities continue to live freely or hold political influence.
“Liberians voted for Joseph Boakai because he has 40 years’ experience,” said protester Musu Dennis. “So he should start to use that 40 years’ experience for the Liberian people, not for him to come and put tension on the Liberian people. We are suffering. Let Joseph Boakai do the right thing.”
The protesters, largely peaceful, moved through the capital toward the Executive Mansion to deliver a formal petition. While no violence was reported, Monrovia’s typically bustling streets were subdued, with many residents staying home due to fears of potential unrest.
In addition to the call for justice, demonstrators criticised the government’s economic performance and accused it of targeting political opponents through dismissals and intimidation.
“We want rule of law, not rule of politics,” one protester shouted through a megaphone as the crowd moved past government buildings.
President Boakai’s office has not yet issued a response to the protest or addressed the specific demands raised.
Boluwatife Enome
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