DOZENS OF SUPPORTERS of the Unity Party (UP), along with some individuals believed to be former officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP), gathered outside the residence of President Joseph Boakai, demanding the fulfillment of job promises made during his campaign.
THE MARCH 27, 2025, protest, which began peacefully, later escalated when state security forces, including personnel of the Executive Protection Service (EPS) intervened, resulting in clashes that left several demonstrators injured.
UP, AS A PROMINENT political institution in Liberia, has been a significant player in the country’s political history, having held state power for two successive constitutional terms with former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf being the political leader at the time.
AS AN OPPOSITION in 2023, supporters rallied behind Statesman Boakai who served as Vice President to Ellen, believing in his vision and 45-years of governance experience for economic revitalization and job creation.
HOWEVER, WITH JUST 14 months into his presidency, many Liberians feel disillusioned and betrayed by the lack of action on the promises made by the President and his team during the 2023 campaign period.
THE RECENT PROTEST outside President Boakai’s residence by Unity Party supporters and alleged former police officers serves as a stark reminder of the weight campaign promises carry in Liberia’s fragile political landscape.
WHILE THE BOAKAI’s administration may have had good intentions in making commitments to job creation and economic revitalization, the growing frustration among its supporters signals a dangerous perceived breach of trust.
IT’S TIME TO assess the March 27 action of the many partisans and sympathizers who stood by then candidate Boakai in 2023 because they did so with the belief that his 45 years of governance experience would translate into meaningful national change that will incorporate them too.
WE ADMONISH THE ruling establishment to take swift action to address not only the economic concerns of its partisans or sympathizers but also the concerns of the generality of the population so that together they can lay aside the perception that dissent will be met with violence.
WE DEEM IT expedient for the President and his team to engage constructively with those who feel so early abandoned. Because Ignoring their grievances will only deepen public frustration, create more rooms for incessant protests and weaken the administration’s credibility.
INSTEAD OF VIEWING these protests as a challenge or an affront to the ruling elites , the government should see them as an opportunity to realign its political priorities bearing in mind that campaign promises are the foundation upon which voters place their hope for a better future in their political leader and not statements of mere rhetorical flourishes.
