Tensions flared early Friday morning in central Monrovia as members of the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) set up a roadblock in front of the Capitol Building, clashing with riot police in a protest against recent administrative decisions by the University of Liberia (UL).
The protest stems from UL’s decision to convert its two-month vacation school program into a full semester, action SUP members have condemned as unfair and disruptive.
According to the student-based political party, of the more than 20,000 students enrolled at the university, only about 5,000 are participating in the vacation school program, leaving over 18,000 students inactive and at home.
SUP said multiple efforts have been made to engage the UL administration in dialogue over the matter, but claimed those attempts have gone unanswered.
“This action is not just about a semester, it’s about academic justice,” said one SUP member on the scene. “We will not sit quietly while thousands of students are deprived of their right to education.”
The roadblock caused a brief disruption in the vicinity of the Capitol, drawing the attention of security forces.
Officers of the Liberia National Police quickly intervened to bring the situation under control. While no serious injuries were reported, minor scuffles were observed between students and police.
SUP says Friday’s protest is only the beginning if their demands are not addressed.
“We are prepared to escalate our actions peacefully,” the group stated, “until the administration listens and acts in the interest of the majority.”
The University of Liberia has not yet issued a formal response to the protest.
