-Detained Students Cry Out as Police Disperse Peaceful March
By Jerromie S. Walters & Sampat Kpakimah
MONROVIA — Dozens of students from the University of Liberia decried police brutality and unlawful detention following a peaceful protest on Capitol Hill on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. The students, marching under the banner “March for Jobs and Justice,” were organized by the campus-based Student Unification Party (SUP) to petition the government for job creation and equal access to justice.
Live videos showed police response with tear gas and arrests, detaining several protesters, including the chairman of the CDC Council of Patriots (CDC-COP). One female student, speaking while being led into detention by the Liberia National Police (LNP), said, “We came for jobs and justice.” Another arrested female student added, “No matter the number of citizens they arrest, we will go for our rights. This is just the beginning.”
The LNP Spokesperson could not be reached for comment on the exact number of students arrested or their status. As of press time, the students remained in custody. The Student Unification Party (SUP), also known as the Vanguard Student Unification Party, is the oldest and largest campus-based political organization at the University of Liberia. Founded in 1970, it has historically positioned itself as a revolutionary movement advocating for social justice, academic freedom, and the rights of Liberia’s masses.
Exiled Liberian former student leader Martin K. N. Kollie condemned the police’s use of force. On his official Facebook page Tuesday, he wrote, “It’s a condemnable mistake for the police to use force and teargas on the students. It was wrong yesterday. It’s still wrong today. The students were peaceful. They’ve legit concerns. Engage them through DIALOGUE and not force. #FreeTheStudents.”
The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) also condemned what it called “the violent, reckless, and wholly unjustifiable disruption” of the SUP-led protest. In a statement Tuesday, STAND said, “The demonstration, held under the banner ‘Jobs and Justice,’ was a lawful and constitutionally protected exercise of democratic expression. The reported deployment of tear gas against unarmed students, the alleged brutalisation of peaceful protesters, and the arbitrary arrests carried out by the LNP constitute a flagrant assault on civil liberties, a gross abuse of state power, and a dangerous erosion of the rule of law.”
The Petition Statement:
After being dispersed by police, the students regrouped at the U.S. Embassy on Benson Street, where SUP National Chairman Odecious Mulbah read their petition. The statement cited “rampant and unbearable crises of jobs and justice” affecting Liberian youth and students. Mulbah said current socio-economic conditions have left many Liberians trapped in poverty, unemployment, and uncertainty.
They believe that Liberia continues to face a structural economic crisis despite its natural resource wealth. The petition references high levels of poverty, youth unemployment, undernourishment, and limited economic opportunities, arguing that these conditions stem from systemic governance and economic challenges rather than individual failure. It also raised concerns about foreign dominance in key sectors of the economy, alleging that Liberia’s economic structure benefits a small elite while marginalizing the majority.
The group criticized the influence of international financial institutions such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund on national policy decisions. In their demands, the student body called on the government to immediately implement a comprehensive employment strategy aimed at providing meaningful jobs for Liberians, with a proposed minimum monthly salary of US$500 or its Liberian dollar equivalent.
Their counts also advocated for the nationalization of key sectors including mining, agriculture, and banking to boost domestic productivity and job creation. Additionally, SUP urged a 50 percent reduction in the salaries of top government officials, with corresponding increases for civil servants, teachers, healthcare workers, and security personnel. The petition further called for increased investment in agriculture in line with the Maputo Declaration, as well as stronger protections for Liberian-owned businesses.
On governance and justice, the group emphasized the need for transparent investigations into human rights abuses and allegations of sexual violence, calling for accountability and support for victims. It also expressed concern over what it termed political interference in public institutions and the marginalization of youth in decision-making processes.
The petition specifically referenced Montserrado County District #10 Representative Yekeh Kolubah, warning against his removal and calling for respect for democratic processes. They also accused the Liberian Government Under President Joseph Boakai regime of Political exploitation adding that the 2022 assault incidents on student activist Christopher Walter Sisulu Sivili was a show for political gain.
Furthermore, SUP called for the modernization of the University of Liberia and urged the Liberia National Police to refrain from the use of force against peaceful protesters. The student organization stressed that its petition is not symbolic but a “substantive intervention” grounded in the realities faced by ordinary Liberians. It warned that failure by the government to address these concerns could deepen public frustration and erode trust in national institutions.
SUP reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful civic engagement but cautioned that it would escalate its actions if its demands are not met. The March was earlier endorsed by the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND), the CDC Council of Patriots (CDC-COP), the Montserrado County Students’ Union – MONSU, and other groups.
Tuesday’s March came as one among many times the student movement has engagement the government on pressing nation issues. The Student Unification Party (SUP) has also repeatedly demanded the resignation of University of Liberia President Dr. Layli Maparyan, citing poor leadership and infrastructure neglect. The University of Liberia Board of Trustees has periodically suspended student political activities due to clashes between students and security personnel.
Despite its political nature, SUP provides practical student support, such as entrance tutorial exercises for prospective students.
