Hundreds of Liberians took to the streets of Monrovia on Thursday, chanting “enough is enough” as they demanded greater accountability and action from President Joseph Boakai’s administration.
Led by opposition figure Mulbah Morlu, the protest marks the largest public demonstration since Boakai assumed office last year, following a campaign centered on reform, justice, and improved living conditions.
Carrying placards and chanting slogans, demonstrators voiced anger over what they described as broken promises, politically motivated job dismissals, and the administration’s continued delay in establishing a war crimes tribunal.
“I am very angry. This is why I am in the street today,” said Victoria Roberts, a businesswoman in the capital. “I came to remind my government of the promises they made. How can you say you came to improve lives and then start removing people from their jobs? Is that what you call betterment?”
A major focus of the protest was the call for a long-promised war crimes court to prosecute those responsible for atrocities committed during Liberia’s two civil wars between 1989 and 2003. Protesters named specific former warlords, including Senator Prince Johnson and former militia commander Joshua Milton Blahyi, known as “General Butt Naked.”
“We the motorcyclists, we want a war crimes court,” said opposition supporter Dougis Smith. “It should not be for Prince Johnson alone. ‘General Butt Naked’ needs to face justice too.”
Frustration was also expressed over the continued political influence and freedom of individuals accused of war-time abuses. Some demonstrators questioned the effectiveness of President Boakai’s leadership, pointing to his decades of political experience.
“Liberians voted for Joseph Boakai because of his 40 years’ experience,” said protester Musu Dennis. “Now is the time to use that experience for the people. We are suffering. Let him do the right thing.”
The protest remained largely peaceful as demonstrators marched toward the Executive Mansion to submit a formal petition. However, many Monrovia residents stayed home, with parts of the city unusually quiet due to fears of possible unrest.
In addition to justice-related demands, protesters criticized the government’s economic performance and accused it of using political dismissals and intimidation against opposition voices.
“We want rule of law, not rule of politics!” one protester shouted through a megaphone as the march passed government buildings.
As of Thursday evening, President Boakai’s office had not issued any official response to the demonstration or addressed the demands raised by the protesters.
