A mass protest is set to unfold at the Capitol Building on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, as public outrage over the controversial removal of Speaker J. Fonati Koffa reaches its peak.
Organized by an anonymous coalition of political and civic groups, the demonstration demands accountability, adherence to the rule of law, and justice in the ongoing legislative crisis.
The protest has garnered a wide range of participants, including members of the National Foot Soldiers of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), CDC-Council of Patriots (CDC-COP), regular CDCians, civil rights advocates, student organizations, and even some members of the Alternative National Congress (ANC).
The diverse participation underscores widespread dissatisfaction with the Unity Party-led government and its handling of political disputes.
At the heart of the unrest is the removal of Speaker Koffa, which the Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional on December 6, 2024. Protesters accuse the administration of orchestrating his removal and violating judicial orders by allegedly coercing Koffa to resign and threatening to strip him of his Speaker privileges.
These actions, they argue, not only flout the Constitution but also undermine Liberia’s democratic principles.
“The law is the law,” remarked one activist, highlighting the importance of respecting judicial decisions to maintain public confidence in governance.
The National Foot Soldiers of the CDC issued a fiery statement supporting the protest, condemning what they describe as the Unity Party government’s “oppressive rule” and failures in governance. The statement accused the administration of economic mismanagement, political witch-hunts, and a disregard for constitutional rights.
“For almost a year now, those who masqueraded under the mantra of a Rescue Mission have delivered nothing but the worst of the past,” the statement read. It also pointed to unresolved mysterious deaths, mass dismissals of civil servants, and alleged collusion with GSM companies to deprive citizens of affordable data promotions, exacerbating economic hardships in a country grappling with a 96% unemployment rate.
The protest is being framed as a decisive moment for Liberia’s democracy, with significant implications for the balance of power, rule of law, and public trust in government. Political analysts warn that the ongoing crisis could deepen polarization without dialogue and compromise.
International actors, including the U.S. Embassy, have called for calm and urged Liberia’s leaders to prioritize national unity over partisan conflicts. Civic groups echo these calls, stressing the need for accountability and respect for democratic norms to safeguard the nation’s stability.
As thousands prepare to converge on the Capitol, the Boakai administration faces mounting pressure to address the grievances fueling the protest. The government’s response will be pivotal in determining whether Liberia’s political tensions escalate or give way to reconciliation and reform.
