Liberia: Police Deploy as STAND Defies LNP Warning Ahead of December 17 Protest - FrontPageAfrica

Monrovia- The Liberia National Police (LNP) has deployed officers across key locations in Monrovia and its environs ahead of a planned protest by the civic group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), heightening tension as authorities and protest organizers clash over constitutional rights, public safety, and the use of the Executive Mansion grounds.

By Jaheim T. Tumu-jaheim.tumu@frontpageafricaonline.com

Police presence was visibly reinforced this morning and seemed with hot water tanks around the Executive Mansion, where STAND says it intends to deliver and read a petition to President Joseph Boakai, as well as at strategic junctions including ELWA Junction, a major traffic corridor in the capital.

In a statement issued on December 16, the LNP acknowledged receiving public notices about the December 17 protest and said it had formally engaged STAND’s leadership as part of what it described as a “preventive and dialogue-based approach” to public order management.

According to the police, the engagement focused on public safety, crowd control, and mobility concerns associated with the Christmas festive season, a period the LNP says is characterized by increased commercial activity, travel, and heightened national security responsibilities.

“The Police emphasized that large public gatherings during this period pose heightened risks to public safety and the free movement of citizens,” the statement said, adding that STAND was advised, “in good faith,” to consider postponing the protest until after the holidays.

Despite the engagement, the LNP said it had observed public communications indicating STAND’s determination to proceed as planned.

While reaffirming respect for the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, the police warned that such rights must be exercised “lawfully and responsibly” and issued specific reminders to the public, including that the grounds of the Executive Mansion are not designated for protests or demonstrations, and that restrictions on motorcycles and tricycles remain in full force.

“Any violations of the law will be addressed promptly and professionally under the laws of the Republic of Liberia,” the police cautioned.

In a statement signed by Police Spokesperson, Cecelia G. Clarke, reassured citizens that the LNP remains committed to professionalism, restraint, and dialogue, while urging the public to continue normal activities without fear during the festive season.

However, STAND has rejected claims by the Liberia National Police that the Executive Mansion grounds are off-limits for protests ahead of the planned December 17 demonstration. STAND Chairman Mulbah Morlu described the police assertion as historically dishonest, legally baseless, and politically selective, calling it an insult to constitutional democracy.

Morlu noted that the same Executive Mansion grounds were used for peaceful protests in 2019 and 2020 by the current political leadership. He criticized what he called a “disgraceful reversal” aimed at suppressing citizens demanding accountability. Morlu emphasized that constitutional rights do not expire or change with political power, and what was lawful yesterday cannot suddenly become unlawful today.

The STAND leader reaffirmed the group’s commitment to assemble peacefully and lawfully at the Executive Mansion, without violence or provocation, noting that peaceful assembly near the seat of government is a globally recognized democratic norm.

Morlu also condemned the police invocation of the Christmas season as a reason to suppress the protest, saying millions of Liberians are entering the season facing hunger, unemployment, and abuse, while a privileged elite enjoys excess. He warned that using the festive season to silence citizens is disingenuous and unacceptable and stressed that the Constitution recognizes no holiday suspension of freedoms.

The group called on the police to publicly commit to no use of excessive force, tear gas, live ammunition, intimidation, harassment, or arbitrary arrests of peaceful protesters. Morlu warned that silence on these matters is not neutrality, but complicity.

STAND further cautioned against intimidation, saying any attempt to disrupt the protest would be the responsibility of those issuing orders. Morlu added that history shows governments that turn security forces against peaceful citizens ultimately fail.

He added that the December 17 “LEAD OR LEAVE” protest will proceed as planned, peaceful, orderly, and constitutional, reiterating that Liberia belongs to its people, not to temporary occupants of power.