The Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP) has declared April 14, 2025, as a nationwide day of action to demand justice for those assaulted during the July 26, 2022, student protest.
The announcement, made during a press conference on Tuesday by SUP Chairman Sylvester Wheeler, marks a significant step in the group’s ongoing campaign against state violence and impunity.
Wheeler emphasized the symbolism of the date, which coincides with the 46th anniversary of the April 14, 1979, massacre of students and workers by the True Whig Party regime.
According to SUP, this year’s commemoration will go beyond remembrance and become a rallying point for justice and national accountability.
“This is a defining moment,” Wheeler said. “We will commemorate the April 14 massacre with action—action that demands justice for those brutalized on July 26, 2022. The criminals behind that violence still walk free, and the government has refused to act. We will no longer stand by as our fellow comrades suffer.”
The student-led movement issued a stern warning to the government, declaring that it would initiate citizen arrests if authorities continue to delay justice.
“If the government continues to find it difficult to bring these criminals to justice, SUP will not hesitate to institute citizen arrests,” Wheeler stated. “We will ensure those responsible for brutalizing peaceful protesters are held accountable.”
SUP’s position reflects deep frustration over what it calls the government’s persistent failure to prosecute those behind the July 2022 violence.
The party said the state’s inaction not only dishonors the memory of the victims but also emboldens further violations of civil rights.
In addition to its demands for justice, SUP launched a scathing critique of President Joseph Boakai’s leadership, branding his government as ineffective and disconnected from the struggles of everyday Liberians.
Citing Liberia’s recent ranking as the eighth poorest country in the world, Wheeler condemned the administration for its failure to address poverty, unemployment, and hunger.
“Under Boakai’s regime, the Liberian people are suffering,” he asserted. “Our health system is collapsing, the economy is deteriorating, and the President seems more concerned with comfort than with crisis.”
The party highlighted the worsening inflation and the continued depreciation of the Liberian dollar, which has led to rising prices of essential goods and services.
SUP also criticized the poor state of infrastructure and the administration’s inability to create jobs for the youth.
SUP also took aim at University of Liberia president Layli Maparyan, who recently commented on SUP’s criticism of the Liberia Football Association (LFA).
The student party labeled her remarks as “reckless and out of touch,” accusing her of siding with the government and attempting to silence student dissent.
“Madam Maparyan should focus on her duties as UL President, not on intimidating students,” said Wheeler.
“She remained silent when police stormed our campus with guns and tear gas. Now she lectures us on civility? We won’t accept that hypocrisy.”
SUP referenced a recent incident in which classes were disrupted and protests violently dispersed by police forces on UL’s campus.
The party said Maparyan’s silence in the aftermath spoke volumes about her alignment with state power over student rights.
Reaffirming its ideological foundation, SUP expressed its dedication to radical civil disobedience as a means to force meaningful change.
Wheeler argued that traditional political avenues have failed and that a more confrontational approach is now necessary.
“We will never compromise the people’s interests,” he said. “Diplomacy has yielded nothing. Our fight for justice, academic freedom, and national progress will continue—loud, bold, and relentless.”
As April 14 approaches, SUP’s call to action has heightened political tensions and cast a spotlight on the government’s response to civil unrest and rising dissatisfaction.
With growing public support and a history of mobilization, the group’s next move could mark a pivotal moment in Liberia’s ongoing pursuit of justice and accountability.
SUP Sets April 14 For Justice Rally
