By By The People News Online
Monrovia, Liberia — The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), in collaboration with the We The People Movement and several civil society partners, has officially notified the Government of Liberia of plans to stage a nonviolent protest on December 17, 2025, under the theme “Lead or Leave.”
In a formal letter addressed to Justice Minister Cllr. N. Oswald Tweh on October 6, 2025, STAND described the upcoming protest as a lawful and disciplined exercise grounded in Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to peacefully assemble and petition their government.
The group recalled its earlier mass demonstration on July 17, 2025, which it said was conducted peacefully and with restraint, serving as a testament to the maturity and commitment of Liberians to democracy and the rule of law.
“Rather than embracing this patriotic call for reform and good governance, the President of the Republic chose instead to mock, demean, and dismiss the legitimate voices of thousands of peaceful citizens,” the group lamented in the letter.
According to STAND, the Lead or Leave protest seeks to reignite demands previously outlined in a 13-count petition that called for accountability, justice, and respect for human rights. Among the major issues listed were:
Respect for the rule of law and protection of human rights;
An end to corruption, impunity, and abuse of power;
Guarantees of freedom of movement and protection against torture and arbitrary arrests;
A decisive response to drug abuse, substance proliferation, and gender-based violence; and
Reforms to address poverty and economic hardship across Liberia.
The group accused the government of ignoring the people’s petition and deepening the public’s despair through “silence and inaction.” It warned that worsening living conditions and economic strain have pushed citizens’ patience to its breaking point.
“As the cost of living soars and national hardship intensifies, the patience of the people has been stretched thin,” STAND cautioned.
The group reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a peaceful, nonviolent demonstration while urging the government to act responsibly in protecting citizens’ rights during the protest.
The December 17 Lead or Leave protest is expected to draw large participation from civil society groups, students, and ordinary Liberians frustrated over governance, corruption, and economic decline.
If held as planned, it will mark the second major national protest organized by STAND and its allies within a year—signaling growing civic pressure on the Boakai administration to deliver on its promises of transparency and reform.
