Monrovia, Liberia- All roads appear to lead to the capital on Monday, June 9, 2025, as the Opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) says it would mobilize thousands of supporters for a “mass protest” dubbed “March on Monrovia,” aimed at demanding the immediate release of former Speaker Fonati Koffa and four other lawmakers currently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison (South Beach).
The protest announced on Saturday, immediate after the release of CDC national Atty. Augustus Janga Kowo has been heavily promoted across social media and opposition-aligned media outlets.
This huge media publication across social media has prompted heightened security alerts from the Liberia National Police (LNP).
The LNP appears to have instructed a partial blockade on all major routes leading to South Beach, with specific restrictions expected around Johnson Street, Lynch Street, Benson Street, and Randall Street.
Passage along these routes tomorrow may be tightened and controlled, an internal LNP operations memo obtained by Verity warned.
CDC Vows “Peaceful but Unrelenting” Demonstration
Despite police warnings and calls for calm from civil society, the CDC has doubled down on its call to action.
The National Chairman of the Opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC), Atty. Janga Kowo, in a news conference held on Saturday declared Monday, June 9, a day of Mass Solidarity March on Monrovia.
The CDC Chairman called on all Partisans, Opposition Political Parties, and Solidarity Allies to gather en masse at the Party’s Headquarters on Monday to March to the Monrovia City Court in demand of the release of former Speaker Fonati Koffa and four other Lawmakers who are now facing charges of arson, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, attempt to commit murder, etc.
The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) Chairman Mulbah Morlu has accused President Joseph Boakai administration as a dictatorship government that is cracking down.
“No arrest. No retreat. I was in Stockton Creek, building momentum for July 17 with the people. Boakai’s dictatorship is cracking—clinging to fear, violence, and intimidation. But I carry no security—because the people are my army. Notorious Police 102 Freeman’s threat—“These are not normal times”—was a warning.
He continued: “We are ready. On July 17, the people will RISE & nonviolently Demand Change. ENOUGH IS ENOUGH!” Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) Chairman Says “Boakai Dictatorship is cracking.”
He also accused the ruling establishment of orchestrating politically motivated arrests aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2026 elections.
The Liberia National Police, however, says it will not tolerate any unlawful activity.
Former Speaker Fonati Koffa, alongside three lawmakers from the opposition bloc, was detained last week on allegations stemming from the December 2024 arson attack on the Capitol Building.
They face charges including arson, criminal conspiracy, and criminal facilitation.
Their arrests have drawn fierce criticism from the CDC and other opposition groups, who argue that the charges are a pretext to neutralize influential political figures.
The government has defended the arrests as the result of a months-long investigation, led by the LNP in coordination with the Joint Security Task Force.
What to Expect
Protesters are expected to gather by mid-morning at several convergence points, including Red Light, Du Port Road, and Sinkor, before marching toward central Monrovia.
The LNP is likely to maintain strong presence around the Temple of Justice, Executive Mansion, and Monrovia Central Prison.
There are concerns of potential confrontation if protesters attempt to breach security perimeters.
As the nation holds its breath, Monday’s events may mark a defining moment for Liberia’s fragile democracy—a test not only for its leaders but also for the resilience of its citizens.
