Dozens of Liberians gathered in New York during the UN General Assembly to protest outside the hotel where President Joseph Boakai is staying, then at the United Nations Headquarters ahead of his address. The protesters expressed concerns over drug trafficking and alleged selective justice in Liberia. They chanted slogans, including "Our children are dying every day. We say no to drugs. We need justice. Let the United Nations hear our cry."
The protesters pointed to the arrest of a former vice president and accused senior officials of ties to drug traffickers, questioning why they remain free. An organizer said the group came "to protest against a bad government in Liberia" and "to stop drug trafficking in Liberia." The protesters also contrasted the setting with protests back home, where Liberian police often respond to citizens with water trucks and heavy weapons, whereas in New York, police ensured the protest stayed peaceful.
The protesters said their plan was to wait for President Boakai outside the hotel, march behind his convoy to the UN General Assembly, and continue demonstrating there. They claimed the president and his family had been accused online of involvement in drug trafficking but were never brought in for questioning. One participant said, "The president should bring his son for questioning. Anyone that is accused of such things should be brought for questioning."
The protesters also targeted specific officials, calling for the expulsion of Gregory Coleman, whom they accused of being a drug dealer. They also demanded an end to police brutality and alleged selective justice. The protest stayed peaceful, with the demonstrators saying they would continue to the UN after the president's arrival.
The Liberian government had not responded to the protesters' claims at the time of writing. The protesters appealed to the United Nations to hear their concerns and wanted the president to act on the crisis after his speech. One protester said, "We want justice, we want freedom. We want our people to express themselves without fear."
The protest was organized by a group of Liberians who are dissatisfied with the government's handling of the drug crisis. They said they would continue to protest until their demands are met. The protesters also highlighted the need for accountability and transparency in the government's fight against drug trafficking.
President Joseph Boakai addressed the UN General Assembly, but it is unclear if he responded to the protesters' demands. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges facing Liberia in its fight against drug trafficking and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the government's efforts to address the crisis.
Key points
- The protesters alleged that the Liberian government is not serious about fighting drug trafficking and is applying the law selectively.
- The protesters targeted specific officials, including Gregory Coleman, whom they accused of being a drug dealer.
- The protest stayed peaceful, with the demonstrators appealing to the United Nations to hear their concerns.
