By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Thousands of Liberians took to the streets of Monrovia on Thursday, demanding accountability from President Joseph Boakai’s administration. The protesters, led by opposition leader Mulbah Morlu, voiced their anger over unmet promises made during Boakai’s election campaign. The demonstration marked the largest public rally since Boakai took office last year, riding a wave of pledges to overhaul governance and improve the economic conditions of the country.
The protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, criticizing the government’s failure to follow through on campaign commitments. Key grievances included politically motivated job dismissals and a failure to establish the long-promised war crimes tribunal for the atrocities committed during Liberia’s two civil wars (1989–2003).
“I am very upset,” said Victoria Roberts, a local business owner. “I came out today to remind the government of the promises they made to us. How can they say they came to improve our lives but then took away jobs? This is not improvement.”
The establishment of a war crimes court is a central demand of the protestors. Many are calling for the prosecution of individuals accused of committing atrocities during the civil wars. “We demand a war crimes court,” said Dougis Smith, an opposition supporter. “The court should hold all perpetrators accountable, not just Prince Johnson but also ‘General Butt Naked.’”
Several demonstrators expressed frustration over the continued freedom of key figures accused of war crimes, with some even holding positions of power.
“We voted for Joseph Boakai because of his 40 years of experience,” said protester Musu Dennis. “He needs to use that experience for the people of Liberia, not to cause more hardship. We are suffering, and Boakai needs to take action.”
Despite the tension, the protest remained peaceful as the crowd moved toward the Executive Mansion to present a formal petition. However, the streets of Monrovia were quieter than usual, with many residents staying indoors out of concern for possible unrest.
In addition to demanding justice, the protesters also voiced their discontent with the government’s economic performance. They accused it of using political power to dismiss opponents and suppress dissent.
“We want the rule of law, not the rule of politics,” one protestor shouted through a megaphone as the crowd marched past government buildings.
President Boakai’s office has not yet responded to the protest or addressed the specific demands raised by the demonstrators.
