Hundreds of demonstrators flooded the streets of Liberia on Thursday, despite heavy rainfall. The crowd directed its anger toward President Joseph Boakai over allegations of government corruption and weakening of democracy. Protesters marched toward Capitol Hill while carrying signs critical of the administration. Rain-soaked demonstrators chanted slogans demanding change from the current leadership. Riot police maintained positions around government buildings during the demonstration.
Boakai assumed the presidency in early 2024 after defeating former soccer star George Weah. Critics claim the new administration mishandles economic policy and permits widespread corruption. Public workers report stagnant wages under the current government. Officials defend their record by citing the suspension of corrupt employees and improved investor relations. Demonstrators argue that Boakai abandoned his campaign commitments to voters.
Civil servant Bendu Camara accused the president of targeting former supporters of Weah—the 55-year-old claims to have been forced into retirement after the administration change. Pottery seller Hawa Kpehe blamed leadership for worsening family economic conditions. Liberia remains one of the world's poorest nations. The country continues recovering from civil wars and the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
Boakai assumed the presidency in early 2024 after defeating former soccer star George Weah. Critics claim the new administration mishandles economic policy and permits widespread corruption. Public workers report stagnant wages under the current government. Officials defend their record by citing the suspension of corrupt employees and improved investor relations. Demonstrators argue that Boakai abandoned his campaign commitments to voters.
Civil servant Bendu Camara accused the president of targeting former supporters of Weah—the 55-year-old claims to have been forced into retirement after the administration change. Pottery seller Hawa Kpehe blamed leadership for worsening family economic conditions. Liberia remains one of the world's poorest nations. The country continues recovering from civil wars and the 2014 Ebola outbreak.
