Civil society advocacy group dubbed and styled Solidarity of Trust for a New Day (STAND) along with its solidarity partners met with officials of the Ministry of Justice on Friday, July 11, 2025, to discuss their planned protest scheduled for July 15 – 17. The meeting aimed to establish a framework for peaceful demonstrations amid rising concerns over alleged governance and justice-related issues under the administration of President Joseph Boakai.
The engagement brought together representatives from STAND, the “We the People Movement,” participating Civil Society Organizations, the Youth League of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), the Liberia Council of Churches, and members of the Joint Security.
The protest organizers have formally requested a permit to carry out the three-day demonstration, which they say will be peaceful and within legal bounds. Their concerns center on what they describe as lapses in governance, accountability, and justice under the current administration of president Joseph Nymah Boakai.
Inspector General of the Liberia National Police, Col. Gregory Coleman, who attended the meeting, emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and order during the demonstration
“We recognize the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and expression,” said Col. Coleman. “However, we urge STAND and its supporters to conduct themselves responsibly. Any acts of violence, provocation, or public disorder will not be tolerated.”
The Ministry of Justice, speaking through the Liberia National Police, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to democratic freedoms while emphasizing its responsibility to ensure public safety and security throughout the demonstration period.
In response, leaders of STAND assured the Ministry that they are committed to a peaceful protest. They emphasized their willingness to collaborate with law enforcement authorities and operate strictly within the conditions of the permit expected to be issued.
The meeting, held in the Ministry of Justice’s conference room, marked a key step in dialogue between civil society and the government in addressing national concerns through democratic means.
