Information coming in from unimpeachable sources has hinted that some partisans of the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC), along with former officers of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) are allegedly planning to infiltrate a major protest scheduled for today, March 3, 2025, in Monrovia.
Organized by several motorcyclists, the much-anticipated protest aims to call on the government, through the Liberia National Police (LNP), to immediately lift the ‘no-go zone’ recently imposed, which restricts motorcyclists from operating in certain areas of Monrovia.
The situation surrounding motorcyclists and police has been tense for years, especially in Monrovia, as motorcyclists provide a crucial mode of transportation in the city, despite ongoing regulatory crackdowns by the government.
Over the past months, motorcyclists have become increasingly vocal in their demands for better working conditions, safety measures, and the lifting of restrictions on their operations, following recent restrictions from operating in certain areas of Monrovia.
The measure has been met with strong opposition from motorcyclists, who argue that it unfairly limits their ability to earn a living and leaves them vulnerable to police harassment, resulting in regular fights between cyclists and police officers around the country.
Many motorcyclists have further argued that the government’s policies disproportionately affect their livelihoods, leading to today’s protest that is expected to draw thousands of motorcyclists across the country.
However, sources from within the corridor of the CDC further indicated that these infiltrators might attempt to incite chaos during the demonstration, potentially leading to violence and unrest, thus calling on the LNP to remain vigilant to deter and arrest any suspicious activity.
According to our sources, a meeting took place on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at a former EPS officer’s house in Paynesville, where a strategy was agreed upon to use a vehicle to transport individuals to Capitol Hill to infiltrate and cause widespread disruption of the peaceful assembly.
Information also had it that the plan involves members of the CDC Youth League, as well as recruits from the University of Liberia (UL), who have allegedly been contacted to participate in the plot.
Also, former Assistant Agriculture Minister for Research and Extension, Alvin Wesseh has been named as one of the key organizers behind the plot to create and escalate tensions between the police and the protestors, which could destroy property and loss of life.
This, our sources revealed is intended to paint the government ugly to the international community of not respecting the rights of peaceful protest as well as projecting a lawless and ungovernable characterization of the country.
Our sources added that the involvement of the CDC and former EPS officers in the motorcyclist’s protest could further inflame the already volatile situation, as the police have yet to comment or release any statement concerning the allegation.
Meanwhile, the LNP had earlier informed the motorcyclists to notify the Ministry of Justice, the statutory authority responsible for maintaining national peace and security, for proper consideration of their planned protest for today.
The police, in its release, said, “While the LNP recognizes the constitutional rights of citizens to peaceful assembly, as enshrined in Article 17 of 1986 Constitution of Liberia, any planned protest must adhere to the legal framework governing public demonstrations.”
“The LNP, therefore, urges all motorcyclists intending to protest or assemble to formally notify the Ministry of Justice, the statutory authority responsible for maintaining national peace and security, for proper consideration.
The LNP assures motorcyclists that once the necessary arrangements are made and approved, the police will fulfil its constitutional duty of ensuring security and safety for both the protestors and the general public, and warned motorcyclists against engaging in acts of violence, confrontation, or any activities that could disrupt public order,” the release added.