Faith Nyasuguta
Hundreds of Liberians poured into the streets of Monrovia this week, raising their voices in a powerful chorus of “Enough is enough!” as frustration boils over at President Joseph Boakai’s government. Braving the sun and the watchful eyes of security forces, the protesters marched through the capital demanding accountability, better governance, and an end to what they call broken promises.
The demonstration, branded the “Day of the People,” was organized by the civil society group STAND (Solidarity and Trust for a New Day) and other grassroots movements determined to hold the country’s leaders to their word. Many carried placards condemning corruption, economic mismanagement, and what they see as lavish spending while ordinary Liberians struggle to make ends meet.
At the heart of the protest is growing anger over Liberia’s worsening economic hardship. Food prices continue to rise, salaries remain low, and basic public services like healthcare and roads are in disrepair. Protesters point to what they describe as unnecessary luxury purchases by top officials – such as President Boakai’s new high-end SUV – as evidence that the government is out of touch with the daily reality of ordinary citizens.
Civil society leaders accuse Boakai of betraying the promises that swept him to power. He campaigned on cleaning up corruption, protecting democracy, and delivering development for all. But many believe little has changed since his inauguration. Some protesters say the country feels stuck in the same cycle of leaders who promise transformation but fail to deliver once in office.
STAND’s chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu, stood at the frontlines, declaring that this demonstration would not be the last if the government continues to ignore the voices of the people. In a fiery address, he demanded that Boakai personally receive the protesters’ petition, which called for fair salaries – including a minimum monthly wage of $500 for civil servants – an overhaul of failing healthcare services, accountability for police brutality, and immediate investigations into allegations of corruption and misuse of public funds.
The protest was also about protecting democracy itself. Many fear Liberia’s fragile democratic institutions are under threat, pointing to recent controversies in the legislature and allegations of political intimidation. Protest leaders warn that if Boakai’s administration fails to change course, the country could slip back into the political chaos and mistrust that have defined past chapters of its history.
Although the demonstration was intended to be peaceful, tensions were high as police maintained a strong presence. Some previous protests have seen confrontations, tear gas, and arrests – sparking accusations that the government is cracking down on free expression and civil rights.
Protest organizers made it clear that this is only the beginning. If Boakai fails to respond with clear action and real reform, calls for a larger “step-down campaign” could follow, potentially escalating political tensions even further.
For now, the chants echoing through Monrovia’s streets – “Enough is enough!” – serve as a warning that Liberians are not prepared to quietly accept excuses. They want answers, they want accountability, and above all, they want the promises that won Boakai the presidency to become reality, not just slogans.
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