By: Samuel B. Johnson
A coalition of Liberian civil society groups, led by the Solidarity & Trust for a New Day (STAND) and the We The People Movement, has given formal notice to the government of a nationwide protest scheduled for December 17, 2025. The protest, dubbed "Lead or Leave – Enough Is Enough," aims to press the government to address various issues affecting the country.
The protest is a follow-up to a similar demonstration on July 17, 2025, where thousands of Liberians demanded justice, accountability, and reform. However, the government failed to respond to the demands, leading to widespread discontent.
The protesters are demanding:
- Respect for the rule of law and protection of human rights
- Action against corruption, impunity, and selective justice
- Economic stabilization, price control, and improved healthcare
- An end to gender-based violence and selective prosecution of rape cases
- A decisive fight against drug proliferation and abuse
- Meaningful reforms to lift millions of Liberians out of poverty and despair
The protesters cited concerns over police abuses, including extrajudicial killings, torture, corruption, and arbitrary detentions, as documented in the 2024 U.S. Department of State Human Rights Report on Liberia. They also pointed out the selective prosecution of rape cases and drug trafficking allegations involving government-connected individuals, such as Minister Bryant McGill and George Kailondo.
The government has not yet responded to the protest notice. The protesters have vowed to remain peaceful but firm in their demands.
The protest will take place simultaneously across all counties, with the main assembly set for the public grounds between the Executive Mansion and the Capitol Building. The protesters plan to make their demands directly to the President.
About the Author
