The U.S. State Department’s 2024 Country Report on Human Rights Practices in Liberia has done more than document abuses—it has shattered the illusion of President Joseph Boakai’s “Rescue Agenda.” In a scathing indictment of his first year in office, the report lays bare a government mired in corruption, complicit in brutality, and indifferent to the suffering of its citizens. For Liberians who dared to hope, this is a bitter confirmation: the promises of reform were hollow.
A Government of Impunity
President Boakai rode into office on a wave of public frustration, pledging to rescue Liberia from the grip of impunity and dysfunction. Yet, one year later, the country is worse off. Economic hardship deepens, hospitals crumble, and unemployment surges. Meanwhile, Boakai embarks on lavish foreign trips—most notably a bloated delegation to Japan—burning through public funds with no discernible benefit to the Liberian people. This hypocrisy is not just offensive; it’s dangerous. It signals that the old habits of waste and self-enrichment remain untouched.
Police Brutality and State-Sanctioned Violence
The report’s most damning revelations concern the Liberia National Police under Gregory Coleman. Extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture are not isolated incidents—they are systemic. These abuses erode public trust and violate both domestic law and international human rights treaties. STAND’s call for Coleman’s dismissal is not political theater—it’s a demand for accountability.
Even more chilling are allegations of high-level government involvement in the narcotics trade, as reported by officials from the LDEA and INCHR. If true, these claims point to a rot so deep it threatens the very foundations of Liberia’s democracy. An independent, internationally monitored investigation is not optional—it is imperative.
The People Will Not Be Silenced
The Enough is Enough Protest Coalition, led by STAND and the WE THE PEOPLE Movement, has responded with resolve. Their December 17 protest at the Executive Mansion will be a defining moment—a peaceful but powerful assertion of constitutional rights. The formation of the Citizens Engagement Board, representing all 15 counties, signals a movement that is organized, inclusive, and determined.
The Coalition’s warning is clear: any attempt to suppress peaceful protest will be met with resistance. This is not a threat—it is a declaration of civic courage. The people of Liberia are reclaiming their voice, and they will not be silenced by fear or force.
A Call for Reform or Resignation
President Boakai faces a choice: deliver meaningful reform or step aside. The time for excuses is over. The international community has spoken, and the Liberian people are mobilizing. December 17 will not be just another protest—it will be a referendum on leadership, integrity, and the future of Liberia.
Liberia stands at a crossroads. The world is watching. And the people are ready.
