By Archie Boan
The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), a leading movement advocating civil rights and government accountability, has announced a transition from periodic protests to sustained civil disobedience, citing what it describes as deepening democratic erosion under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai’s administration.
In a detailed public statement, STAND explained that the decision comes after nearly two years of engagement, including two large-scale peaceful protests held on July 17 and December 17.
According to the organization, these actions failed to prompt meaningful dialogue or corrective measures from the government.
Instead, STAND claims authorities responded with intimidation, repression, and efforts to criminalize dissent.
The movement framed civil disobedience as both a legitimate and ethical response to what it views as the systematic closure of democratic and institutional avenues for accountability.
STAND stressed that its actions will remain nonviolent, constitutionally grounded, and continuous until the government addresses the grievances raised during earlier demonstrations.
This announcement marks a significant escalation in pressure from civil society groups and reflects a shift from isolated protests to sustained resistance against the Boakai administration.
Central to STAND’s concerns is what it describes as the selective enforcement of justice, particularly by the Liberia National Police.
The group cited recent handling of sexual violence allegations involving politically connected individuals, arguing that inconsistent investigative practices have eroded public trust in law enforcement and the justice system.
STAND also pointed to what it alleges is a growing pattern of suppressing peaceful assemblies, excessive use of force by police, arbitrary detentions, and the apparent tolerance of violence by pro-government actors.
These trends, the organization argues, signal a weakening commitment to constitutional freedoms.
Beyond civil and political rights, STAND highlighted worsening economic conditions, persistent corruption, and declining access to basic public services as factors fueling widespread public frustration.
The group further questioned the credibility of current police leadership, asserting that recurring accusations of misconduct and political favoritism have compromised the security sector’s ability to operate as a neutral protector of public order.
STAND called for accountability and structural reforms aimed at restoring professionalism and public confidence.
Finally, the organization urged international partners and human rights institutions to closely monitor the situation, warning that civic space is shrinking and that activists and ordinary citizens face increasing risks.
