“Battle of Gaugamela” STAND Describes December 7 Nationwide Protest; Urges Boakai to “Lead or Leave”
E Geedahgar Garsuah Sr 
MONROVIA, LIBERIA: The Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND) has officially launched plans for a nationwide protest slated for December 17, under the theme “Lead or Leave.”
Announcing the protest in Monrovia, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr. described the planned demonstration as “The Battle of Gaugamela — Where the Future of Liberia Will Be decided.”
The Battle of Gaugamela also called the Battle of Arbela took place in 331 BC between the forces of the Army of Macedon under Alexander the Great and the Persian Army under King Darius III. It was the second and final battle between the two kings, and is considered to be the final blow to the Achaemenid Empire, resulting in its complete conquest by Alexander.
“He said, in the same spirit, Liberians must now rise to “defy Boakai’s oppressive police power not with weapons, but with courage, unity, and the unstoppable will of a free people.”
The STAND Chairman emphasized that the demonstration will be peaceful, lawful, and people-driven, but warned that protesters “will not leave the streets until their demands are met.” He hinted that the protest could last for several days, involving “nonviolent but fearless resistance” centered around the Executive Mansion.
According to Morlu, Liberia is “plunging toward dictatorship” under President Joseph N. Boakai, pointing to what he called widespread police brutality, judicial corruption, and economic collapse.
He alleged that the Boakai administration has overseen “state-enabled attacks on opposition parties, churches, mosques, students, and civic institutions,” as well as “extra-judicial acts” — including the demolition of the CDC headquarters, the assault on the CDC Chairman, the Kinjor massacre, and the torture of detainees reportedly cited in the U.S. Department of State’s 2024 Human Rights Report.
Morlu also referenced the alleged killing of citizens such as Matthew Mulbah, describing the incidents as evidence that Liberia’s democracy is under threat.
“Boakai has become the gravedigger of Liberia’s democracy. Unless we stand, we are in trouble,” he warned. “If this trend continues, there will be so much fear that there will be no free and fair elections in 2029.”
Morlu described the upcoming protest as a peaceful political revolution and the birth of what he called a Grassroots Octopus Movement — a citizen-led force for justice and accountability.
“This is not chaos; it is a moral awakening through fearless, united resistance,” Morlu said. “Do not fear the police, tear gas, or guns. Your true enemy is doubt — rid yourself of it, and Liberia will rise again.”
Addressing President Boakai directly, Morlu accused members of the government of corruption and misuse of power.
“Mr. President, you and those looting this nation are enemies of the Republic. You seek vengeance, not justice. On December 17, the people will hold you accountable — peacefully but firmly. Lead or leave!”
STAND also appealed to international partners to “not be deceived by government propaganda,” urging them to pay close attention to the human rights and democratic situation in Liberia.
“Liberia is fast sliding into authoritarianism under the guise of governance and stability,” Morlu claimed. “We call on our international allies to stand with Liberians in their peaceful pursuit of justice and democracy, or risk losing the country’s democratic institutions.”
Morlu reaffirmed that on December 17, Liberians will gather “peacefully, united, and determined” at the Executive Mansion to demand accountability.
“This is our Battle of Gaugamela — the day the people defend their right to survive and be truly free. When we rise together, no tyrant, no army, no weapon can prevail. On this day, Liberia will choose life over fear and freedom over oppression. Boakai must lead or leave!”
The protest, according to STAND, will continue “until the people’s demands are addressed,” STAND Launches “Lead or Leave” Protest — Describes It as Liberia’s ‘Battle of Gaugamela’
