Gongloe Pulls Plug on July 17 Protest

As political tension rises ahead of the July 17 protest dubbed “Enough is Enough,” the Liberian People’s Party (LPP) has publicly distanced itself from the planned demonstration, citing deep concerns about political hypocrisy and inconsistency among its organizers. In a bold and principled stance, Cllr. Taiwan Saye Gongloe, former Standard Bearer of the LPP and a respected voice in Liberia’s democratic movement, issued a statement officially disassociating the party from the protest. While reaffirming the constitutional right of all Liberians to freely assemble and voice their grievances, the LPP emphasized that it cannot support a movement being led by political figures whose own records reflect the very failures they now seek to protest. “The Liberian People’s Party will never stand in the way of peaceful protest,” Cllr. Gongloe stated. “But we refuse to lend our credibility to actions driven by self-interest and political expediency, especially when those involved have themselves presided over or enabled years of poor governance, corruption, and abuse of public trust.” The party’s decision comes as mounting dissatisfaction with the Boakai-Koung administration fuels national discourse. Liberians continue to grapple with economic hardship, widespread unemployment, and perceptions of declining accountability and good governance. The planned July 17 protest seeks to highlight these grievances. However, the LPP warns that authentic reform cannot be driven by individuals who lack moral clarity or who played pivotal roles in the deterioration of Liberia’s institutions and economy in previous administrations. According to the party, the current wave of anger must be channeled into sustainable democratic solutions not exploited by political opportunists seeking to recycle themselves under new banners. “We urge the Liberian people to remain vigilant and discerning,” the LPP statement read. “The fight for change must be rooted in truth, integrity, and historical honesty. We cannot trade one form of bad leadership for another wrapped in the garments of temporary outrage.” Cllr. Gongloe, a long-time advocate for rule of law, anti-corruption, and constitutional democracy, reaffirmed the LPP’s commitment to a principled opposition. He noted that the party continues to engage constructively on matters of national concern, including electoral reform, judicial independence, economic justice, and the protection of civil liberties. At the same time, the LPP reiterated its support for all citizens who choose to peacefully express dissatisfaction with government performance as long as such expressions are grounded in genuine concern and not political rebranding. “The right to protest is sacred. But the motives behind the protest must also be scrutinized,” Gongloe said. “If we are serious about fixing Liberia, we must be equally serious about who we follow and what they represent. Change must come with integrity.” The LPP’s statement has triggered strong reactions across Liberia’s political landscape, with some praising the party’s moral clarity while others accuse it of failing to stand in solidarity with the suffering masses. Yet the party remains unmoved in its conviction that Liberia needs a new direction, not a return to failed political cycles. As July 17 approaches, the Liberian People’s Party calls on all citizens to exercise their rights peacefully, demand transparency from all leaders past and present and work together to build a society founded on justice, accountability, and genuine democratic reform.