MONROVIA, Liberia – July 12, 2026 – Former Bassa Governor in Montserrado County James Emmanuel Brooks has called on STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu to reconsider the organization’s planned July 17 protest, warning that any demonstration held days before Liberia’s 179th Independence Day could threaten national peace, disrupt public order, and negatively affect ordinary citizens.
Speaking during an interview in Margibi County on Saturday, July 11, Brooks said although the Constitution guarantees every Liberian the right to peaceful assembly, organizers of public demonstrations must also consider the potential impact of their actions on the country.
“As a people and as a nation, we should listen to each other because we believe this country belongs to all of us,” Brooks said. “Demonstrations have not helped this country before. Whenever these protests happen, it is the ordinary Liberian who suffers. Businesses are disrupted, lives are endangered, and property is destroyed.”
The former political adviser to the Liberian Senate said the country should be preparing to celebrate its Independence Day in an atmosphere of peace and unity rather than political confrontation.
“We are calling on STAND and Chairman Mulbah Morlu to reconsider this decision,” he said. “We are not asking them to surrender their constitutional rights or freedom of speech. We are simply saying that the timing is wrong. Independence Day should be a moment of national celebration, not confrontation.”
Recalling Liberia’s political history, Brooks warned against repeating the circumstances that led to the April 14, 1979 Rice Riot, which many regard as a turning point in the country’s political instability.
“Liberia has suffered enough,” he said. “We should not create conditions that could once again throw the country into unnecessary turmoil.”
Background to the Planned Protest
The July 17 demonstration is being organized by the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), headed by former Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) National Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu.
Since the CDC’s defeat in the 2023 presidential election, Morlu has emerged as one of the government’s most outspoken critics, accusing the Boakai administration of failing to adequately address the rising cost of living, unemployment, corruption and governance challenges.
STAND has maintained that the planned protest is peaceful and intended to draw attention to issues affecting ordinary Liberians. However, the planned demonstration has generated widespread debate because it is scheduled just days before the country’s Independence Day celebrations, with critics expressing concern over its possible impact on public safety and national activities.
Commends Drug Investigation
Brooks, who also served as Commissioner of Gardnersville Township in Montserrado County, commended the government for the ongoing investigation into the seizure of approximately US$19.2 million worth of cocaine at Roberts International Airport.
He praised the Ministry of Justice, the Liberia National Police and the Joint Security for the arrests made thus far, urging Liberians to allow investigators to complete their work.
“People should stop trying to conclude who is guilty before investigations are completed,” Brooks said. “Let the Joint Security continue its work. The Liberian people should be patient. If the government goes in the right direction, we will commend them. If it goes in the wrong direction, we will speak collectively.”
Calls for Liberian Economic Empowerment
Brooks also renewed his call for stronger Liberian participation in the country’s economy, arguing that the nation’s natural resources should primarily benefit its citizens.
“We need Liberian millionaires,” he declared.
“Our gold, diamonds, rubber and other resources should benefit Liberians first. We should not continue allowing others to control sectors of our economy while Liberians remain spectators.”
Brooks, who is the National Chairman of the pro-democracy advocacy group Give Liberia’s Economy Back to Liberians, urged the government to strengthen Liberianization policies to enable more Liberians to own businesses and participate meaningfully in commerce and industry.
He also advocated for increased industrialization, saying Liberia should process its raw materials locally instead of exporting them for manufacturing abroad.
Supports National Mining Initiative
Brooks welcomed reports that the government is considering the establishment of a national mining company, describing the initiative as a step toward increasing Liberian participation in the country’s mineral sector.
“If the government is moving in that direction, then I commend them,” he said. “Liberia’s natural wealth should create opportunities for Liberians. We need businesses, employment and economic growth.”
Church Has a Role to Play
Brooks, who also serves as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of The Rock Church in Liberia, called on churches to move beyond prosperity preaching and become active partners in promoting national development.
“The church should not focus only on prosperity messages,” he said. “Religious institutions have a responsibility to work alongside government and civil society by offering meaningful solutions to the country’s problems.”
He also appealed for improved salaries and welfare for teachers, nurses, doctors, security personnel and other public servants.
Appeal for Peace
Brooks concluded by calling on Liberians to place the country’s interests above partisan politics as the nation prepares to celebrate Independence Day.
“We all love Liberia,” he said. “Our actions should strengthen the country, not divide it. Peace, dialogue and economic empowerment remain the best path toward national development.”
