—To Demand President Boakai’s Resignation
Monrovia, Liberia – Prominent Liberian Civil Society Group Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has declared a mass protest for December 17, framing the upcoming demonstration as a decisive historical turning point for the nation. Through its Chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., STAND officially launched the “Lead or Leave” Protest, branding it “The Battle of Gaugamela—Where the Future of Liberia Will Be Decided.”
Chairman Morlu drew a direct parallel to the ancient battle where Alexander the Great defeated a vast Persian army, stating that the protest represents a similar triumph of strategy and courage over tyranny. “The Battle of Gaugamela was fought in 331 BC, where strategy, courage, and leadership triumphed over tyranny and overwhelming force,” Morlu declared. He emphasized that the Liberian people would defy what he termed “Boakai’s oppressive police power” not with weapons, but with “courage, unity, and the unstoppable will of a free people.”
Speaking at a press event in Monrovia, Morlu sought to frame the planned action as a legitimate and peaceful exercise of civic power. He stressed that the protest would be “peaceful, lawful, and people-driven,” but issued a stern warning that participants would not vacate the streets until their demands are met. This statement signals the potential for a sustained, multi-day sit-in or nonviolent resistance at the gates of the Executive Mansion, aiming to create an undeniable political crisis for the administration.
The group’s declaration is rooted in a sweeping indictment of President Joseph Boakai’s government, which Morlu accused of plunging Liberia into dictatorship. He presented a litany of grievances that he said defined the national crisis, including rampant police brutality against commercial motorcyclists and tricycle riders. He further alleged deep-seated judicial corruption where justice is commodified and available only to the highest bidder.
Morlu also pointed to a collapsing economy characterized by mass unemployment and pervasive social decay as a central motivation for the protest. He condemned what he described as state-enabled attacks on a wide spectrum of society, including opposition parties, religious institutions, student groups, and civic organizations. The STAND Chairman provided a grim catalog of what he labeled extra-judicial acts, citing the state-sanctioned demolition of the CDC headquarters, the physical assault on the CDC Chairman, the Kinjor massacre, the torture of detainees as documented in the recent U.S. Department of State human rights report, and the murder of vulnerable citizens like Matthew Mulbah.
“Boakai has become the gravedigger of Liberia’s democracy,” Morlu warned, articulating a dire prediction for the nation’s future. He expressed fear that if the current trend continues, it will create a climate of fear so profound that it would preclude the possibility of free and fair elections in 2029, effectively ending the country’s democratic experiment.
The December 17 protest is being positioned not as a mere political rally, but as the dawn of a broader movement. Morlu described it as the rise of the “Grassroots Octopus,” a peaceful, people-powered uprising for justice and democratic integrity. “This is not chaos; it is a moral awakening through fearless, united resistance,” he stated, directly addressing potential participants’ fears. “Do not fear the police, tear gas, or guns. Your true enemy is doubt — rid yourself of it, and Liberia will rise again.”
The STAND leader delivered a pointed message directly to President Boakai, employing incendiary rhetoric to question the President’s motives and legitimacy. “Mr. President, you and those looting this nation are enemies of the Republic. You seek vengeance, not justice,” Morlu said. “On December 17, the people will hold you accountable — peacefully, but firmly. Lead or leave!”
The group also issued a call to the international community, urging global partners to see through the government’s public relations efforts. STAND warned that “Liberia is fast sliding into authoritarianism under the guise of governance and stability,” and called on international allies to stand with Liberians in their peaceful pursuit of justice. The statement concluded with a grave warning that the nation’s democracy is at great risk without such support.
In his final declaration, Morlu sought to immortalize the upcoming date in the nation’s political consciousness. “On December 17, Liberians will gather at the Executive Mansion, peaceful, united, and determined, to demand accountability and defend our democracy,” he proclaimed.
“This is our Battle of Gaugamela, the day the people defend their right to survive and be truly free. When we rise together, no tyrant, no army, no weapon can prevail. On this day, Liberia will choose life over fear, freedom over oppression. Boakai must Lead or Leave!” The announcement concludes with the hashtag #LeadOrLeave, aiming to galvanize a digital campaign to complement the physical protest.
