STAND Supporter Assaults Kool 91.9 FM Journalist During December 17 Protest in Monrovia

Capitol Hill, Liberia: The December 17 “Lead or Leave” protest in Monrovia ended in chaos on Wednesday as police dispersed demonstrators from a major roadway, protest organizer Mulbah K. Morlu Jr. reportedly fled the scene, and a supporter of the Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) physically assaulted a journalist covering the event.

The protest, organized by STAND and led by former Chairman of the ex-ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), Mulbah K. Morlu Jr., attracted several aggrieved citizens protesting what they described as worsening economic hardship and poor governance under President Joseph Nyuma Boakai.

Eyewitnesses said Morlu escaped the protest ground shortly after police employed tactical measures to clear protesters from the road, leaving behind several demonstrators, including CDC stalwart Alvin Wesseh, as security forces restored order.

Despite the disruption, protesters voiced strong grievances against the Boakai administration. Demonstrators carried placards bearing messages such as “The country is hard, but Mr. Boakai is building a US$10 million palace in Lofa County,” “Drugs are taking over the country,” and other critical statements targeting the government.

Protesters claimed that President Boakai’s campaign promise to “rescue” Liberia has not translated into economic relief. They complained that prices of basic commodities remain high, job opportunities, especially for young people, are limited, and transportation fares continue to rise despite a reduction in petroleum prices.

“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.”

Demonstrators also raised concerns over what they described as secretive government transactions, including the procurement of 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, the PPCC process should have been followed so public funds do not end up in the pockets of a few officials.”

Journalist Assaulted

The protest was further marred by violence against the press. A supporter of STAND assaulted Kool 91.9 FM reporter Saah Kandu while he was covering the demonstration.

According to Kandu, the incident began after Morlu demanded identification from a protest participant. When the individual reportedly refused, Kandu questioned Morlu about his interest in obtaining the person’s ID. Morlu allegedly declined to respond and walked away.

Kandu said he later asked the same individual whether he was a member of STAND, a question that provoked the supporter into punching him three times in the chest.

“A supporter punched me three times in my chest simply because I asked a question that did not favor him,” Kandu said, adding that the attack left him in severe chest pain and forced him to stop covering the protest.

Kandu described the assault as an example of the dangers journalists face while reporting on public protests.

“Journalists are not beating drums; we are professionals dedicated to informing the public,” he said.