Lead or Leave Protest Leader Morlu Flees as Police Clear Demonstrators in Monrovia

Monrovia, Liberia: The organizer of the “Lead or Leave” protest, Mulbah Morlu, reportedly fled the protest ground on Wednesday after police used tactical measures to disperse demonstrators occupying a major roadway, leaving several protesters including CDC stalwart Alvin Wesseh behind as security forces cleared the area.

The protest, organized by the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) and led by former Chairman of the ex-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Mulbah Morlu, drew several aggrieved citizens who cited worsening economic hardship and what they described as poor governance under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

after Morlu and protesters fleed the protest ground.

Witnesses said Morlu escaped the scene shortly after police moved in to restore order, effectively abandoning the protest group as officers cleared all protesters from the road.

Despite the disruption, demonstrators outlined multiple reasons for joining the action. Protesters carried placards with messages such as: “The country is hard, but Mr. Boakai is building a US$10 million palace in Lofa County,” “Tan Tan Boakai is a drug baron,” and “Drugs are taking over the country.”

The protesters accused President Boakai of failing to deliver on his campaign promise to “rescue” Liberia from economic hardship. They complained that prices of basic commodities remain high, while job opportunities especially for young people are scarce.

They also criticized the continued rise in transportation fares despite a decline in petroleum prices, describing the situation as unjustified and burdensome to ordinary citizens.

“Things are hard even though President Boakai promised to rescue us. But Boakai fooled us,” said protester Marie Gibson. “People are not buying from us like before, and because of that, our children are out of school.”

protestors marching to the protest ground.

Additionally, protesters raised concerns over what they called secretive government dealings. They questioned the procurement process surrounding 285 yellow machines, the purchase of 50 National Transit Authority (NTA) buses, and the reported construction of a US$10 million presidential villa in Lofa County.

“The Boakai administration is operating in secrecy, and that raises serious suspicion,” said protester Theo Wilson. “Even if the yellow machines will benefit the people, proper PPCC procedures should have been followed so public funds do not end up in the pockets of a few officials.”