STAND’s “Lead or Leave” Protest Stumbles as Turnout Drops and Plans Collapse

A planned protest by Solidarity for a New Day (STAND) on Wednesday, December 17, failed to gain traction as only a small number of supporters gathered near Capitol Hill, undermining the expectations set by the group’s chairman, Mulbah K. Morlu.
The demonstration, branded “Lead or Leave,” was intended to pressure President Joseph Nyumah Boakai to address what STAND claims are growing governance and leadership concerns within the administration.

Despite weeks of mobilization, the turnout was noticeably low, surprising even some STAND members who had anticipated a larger crowd similar to the group’s previous actions. The event drew comparisons to STAND’s July 17 “March to the Capitol,” which attracted a more substantial crowd but ended in controversy after Morlu refused to present the group’s petition to anyone other than the President.

On December 16, the day before the protest, Morlu held a press conference at STAND headquarters, announcing that protesters would march to the Executive Mansion to deliver a petition directly to President Boakai.

Morlu warned that if the President did not personally receive the petition, protesters would remain on the grounds and cook there as a symbolic act of resistance.
Supporters began their march from Congo Town around midday, arriving at Capitol Hill at approximately 1:00 p.m., where they encountered a heavy police presence.
Tensions escalated when Morlu attempted to push through a police barricade but was stopped by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP), who maintained a firm perimeter around the Executive Mansion.

Unable to advance, the protesters shifted their strategy and attempted to set up cooking equipment along the main road near the University of Liberia. Pots, rice, fish, and chicken were brought out as the group prepared to carry out their earlier threat to cook in the street if denied access to the Mansion grounds. Police quickly intervened, dispersing the group and citing concerns over public safety, traffic obstruction, and the need to maintain order in a high-security zone.

Security was tight throughout Capitol Hill, with checkpoints established, vehicles searched, and movement restricted for both motorists and pedestrians. Following the standoff, Morlu condemned the police action, describing it as “historically dishonest, legally baseless, and politically selective,” arguing that it violated citizens’ constitutional rights.

Despite remaining at Capitol Hill for more than two hours, protesters were unable to present their petition or gain access to the Executive Mansion grounds. The stalled protest soon gave way to internal friction when Morlu clashed with journalist Joseph Salia over questions regarding the group’s next steps. Morlu demanded Salia’s identification and accused him of being an operative of the National Security Agency, an accusation the journalist rejected.

Salia countered by asking Morlu to present his own STAND identification, arguing that the protest had lost focus after failing to achieve its objectives. The confrontation echoed scenes from the July protest, when Morlu refused to hand STAND’s petition to Representative Kizzie Kollance, who had offered to receive it on behalf of the Legislature. Critics say STAND’s insistence on direct presidential engagement, while bypassing other constitutional channels, has weakened the group’s effectiveness and contributed to declining public interest.

Political analysts note that the shrinking turnout reflects growing public fatigue with protests that fail to produce tangible outcomes, as well as internal leadership challenges within STAND. As turnout continues to shrink and planned actions fall short, observers are questioning STAND’s long-term relevance and Morlu’s ability to sustain meaningful civic pressure in Liberia’s evolving political landscape.

Author: Victor Quaye