Anger and frustration filled the air early Thursday morning as dozens of persons with disabilities stormed the grounds of the Executive Mansion, accusing the government of abandonment and neglect.
The protesters, many from the visually impaired community, blocked sections of the street, demanding justice, transparency, and accountability.
With placards raised high, the demonstrators called for the immediate dismissal of Mr. Sam Dean, Executive Director of the Liberia National Commission on Disabilities (LNCOD), whom they accused of misappropriating funds intended to support their empowerment.
“We are tired of being used and forgotten,” cried Sarah Kollie, a visually impaired woman among the crowd.
According to the protesters, President Joseph N. Boakai had provided US$200,000 to the LNCOD to support employment programs for persons with disabilities. They allege, however, that the funds were never used for their intended purpose.
“President Boakai gave that money for us, not for one man’s luxury,” said James Kpadeh, an elderly man on crutches. “Instead, Sam Dean used it to buy himself a car.”
As chants of “Sam Dean lah rogue!” echoed across Capitol Hill, demonstrators demanded transparency from those entrusted with representing them.
“We want accountability. We want the truth,” shouted another protester, her hands raised in frustration.
Some protesters also questioned the fate of donations made by Orange Liberia, reportedly meant to support disability empowerment initiatives.
“Where is the money Orange gave?” shouted Martha Toe, a mother of three. “We need answers. We need the full amount!”
Their anger was not directed at Mr. Dean alone, but also at what they described as a government that has turned its back on its most vulnerable citizens.
“We are citizens too,” one man yelled. “We deserve the same respect and opportunities as everyone else.”
Tears flowed as protesters shared their daily struggles of living with disabilities in a country they said has failed to protect their rights.
“Since this morning, we’ve been sitting here under the sun,” lamented Korto Weah. “President Boakai passed right by us and didn’t even stop to listen. That hurts more than anything.”
Elderly, young, and even children joined the demonstration. After hours of chanting, exhaustion mixed with disappointment settled over the crowd.
“They promised us change,” one woman whispered quietly, “but all we’ve gotten is neglect.”
At one point, the embattled LNCOD Executive Director, Mr. Sam Dean, appeared at the protest site in an attempt to address the group. His presence, however, was met with anger.
“We don’t want your stories!” one protester shouted, as others surged forward. Moments later, Mr. Dean was forced to retreat amid chants of “Thief! Thief!”
The demonstrators accused Mr. Dean of betraying their trust and using his position for personal gain.
“He was supposed to fight for us, not against us,” said Emmanuel Doe, a physically challenged activist. “Now we have to fight just to survive.”
Despite their anger, the group maintained a peaceful stance, vowing to continue their protest until the government takes concrete action.
“We won’t move until something is done,” declared Sarah Kollie. “We have nothing left to lose. These people are crying for justice. It’s shameful that they have to protest just to be seen.
Police officers later arrived to ensure calm, but the demonstration continued peacefully into the afternoon. The protesters vowed to remain on the Executive Mansion grounds until their grievances were addressed.
“Our leaders ride in cars bought with our suffering,” said James Kpadeh. “We can’t see, we can’t walk, but we can still speak, and we will keep speaking until Liberia listens.”
As dusk approached, their chants softened into murmurs of prayer, an emotional plea for dignity and recognition.
“We are not begging,” said Martha Toe, tears streaming down her face. “We are demanding what is rightfully ours.”
