Two Vehicles Damaged, Woman Injured Near CDC Headquarters

Tensions flared on Thursday, July 17, 2025, during a protest organized by the STAND Campaign, when unidentified individuals allegedly associated with the headquarters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) launched attacks on passing demonstrators, leaving two vehicles damaged and a woman injured. The incident reportedly occurred near the CDC compound in Oldest Congo Town as protestors were marching peacefully toward Capitol Hill. Eyewitnesses say a group of unknown persons believed to have emerged from within or around the CDC premises began throwing stones and other objects at the protestors and vehicles in the vicinity. Two private vehicles were hit during the altercation, suffering broken windshields and significant body damage. In the midst of the chaos, a female protestor sustained a head injury after being struck by a flying object. She was rushed to a nearby clinic and is currently receiving medical treatment. Her condition is reported to be stable. The July 17 protest, organized by STAND was aimed at calling attention to issues of governance and alleged corruption. While the main protest proceeded under tight security and was largely peaceful, the violence near the CDC headquarters cast a dark shadow over the day’s events. Speaking to reporters, some protestors accused CDC loyalists of instigating the attack in an attempt to intimidate and disrupt the demonstration. “We were marching peacefully when we were ambushed with stones and bottles. It’s unfortunate that violence is still being used to silence citizens exercising their rights,” said Emmanuel Toe, a STAND participant who witnessed the incident. The Liberia National Police (LNP) has confirmed the occurrence of the incident and stated that investigations are underway. Authorities are reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing witnesses to identify those responsible. “We will not tolerate acts of violence, regardless of political affiliation. Those responsible will be held accountable,” said an LNP spokesperson. There has been no official statement from the CDC leadership regarding the alleged involvement of individuals from their compound. Civil society groups and rights advocates have since condemned the violence and are calling for calm and a thorough investigation. The STAND leadership, while denouncing the attack, reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful protest and urged authorities to guarantee the safety of all Liberians in the exercise of their constitutional rights.