On June 7, during a mass citizen protest against rising government inefficiency, economic hardship, public mismanagement, and incompetence, the Government of Liberia said it blocked social media for “national security†reasons. Many, especially the press and civil society organizations, have labeled it as a way of curtailing free speech and muzzling the press.
Council of Patriots Advisor Senator Oscar Cooper Pulls Out
Sen. Oscar Cooper of Margibi has announced his resignation as an advisor to the Council of Patriots.
OP-ED: President Weah is taking the bait being laid by his critics
Autocrat, dictator, repressive, corrupt, and the list go on. These are a few of the words being used by opponents and others to describe President Weah’s tenure. And, I must say that the president is not doing much to change those descriptions of his short stint as president so far.
Pres. Weah Calls for Dialogue, Reiterates Commitment to Protecting Rights
A few days after President George Weah’s government blocked access to social media platforms during the Save the State protest, the president has assured Liberians that his government would protect the constitutional rights of citizens, regardless of their political views, tribal backgrounds, and social status.
Full Transcript: President Weah Responds to Council of Patriots’ Demands
On June 11, President George Weah addressed the nation – two days after the Council of Patriots had read their petition and said they were giving the government a month to meet their demands. The president called for dialogue with civil society groups and political parties. His speech is below.
Liberians Give Reasons for Joining June 7 Protest
Despite the tight security around Monrovia on June 7, thousands of Liberians turned out to participate in the Council of Patriots’ much-publicized Save the State protest.
Full Text of the Council of Patriots’ Petition to the Government
On Sunday, June 9, members of the Council of Patriots, organizers of the Save the State protest, gathered at the headquarters of the All Liberian Party in Old Road to read their petition to the government. Read the full text.
Photos From the Save the State Protest
On Friday, June 7, thousands of protesters turned out to participate in the Save the State protest to demand better governance.
Below are photos from the protest.