Analyst Liberia

STAND MOBILIZES 20,000 FOR JULY MANSION PROTEST -MONTSERRADO CAMPAIGN TARGETS EXECUTIVE MANSION PROTEST

MONROVIA - The countdown to July 17 has begun in earnest. The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has launched a grassroots mobilization campaign in Montserrado County's District No. 14, targeting citizens ahead of its planned Lead or Leave protest at the Executive Mansion Grounds. STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu says more than 20,000 protesters will converge on July 17 to demand accountability from President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's administration. He accuses the government of insensitivity to economic hardship, insecurity, and lawlessness. Retired student activist Ben Tokpa, who says he lost his job in early 2024 for criticizing the administration, has rejoined the movement despite personal risk. District No. 7 is next, as THE ANALYST reports.

The STAND-led Liberia Protest Coalition has launched its grassroots awareness, mobilization, and recruitment campaign in Montserrado County's District No. 14, ahead of the Lead or Leave peaceful protest scheduled for July 17 at the Executive Mansion Grounds.

The event attracted youth leaders, women groups, students, community influencers, and other local stakeholders who overwhelmingly endorsed the protest and pledged to mobilize citizens from house to house, street to street, and community to community until every voice is heard.

Morlu Declares July 17 People's Verdict
Addressing the gathering, STAND Chairman Mulbah K. Morlu declared that July 17 represents the people's verdict on what he described as President Joseph Nyuma Boakai's insensitivity to the suffering of ordinary Liberians.

He argued that worsening economic hardship, insecurity, lawlessness, and declining living conditions have pushed the nation to a breaking point.

"The people have endured enough. July 17 is the day Liberians rise peacefully, courageously, and united to demand accountability, justice, and meaningful change," he stated.

Morlu further announced that more than 20,000 peaceful protesters are expected to converge on the Executive Mansion Grounds on July 17 to press their demands for national renewal and responsive leadership.

He disclosed that the mobilization campaign will intensify across Montserrado and neighboring counties in the coming weeks, with District No. 7 set to host the next major community awareness and recruitment engagement.

Tokpa Rejoins Movement Despite Personal Risk
Also speaking at the event, retired student leader and activist Ben Tokpa called on Liberians from every corner of the Republic to join the growing movement and support what he described as a peaceful struggle for national transformation.

Tokpa, who said he lost his job in early 2024 after criticizing the Boakai administration, stated that his return to Liberia carries significant personal and political risks — risks he is prepared to face in pursuit of what he considers his patriotic duty.

He vowed to remain actively engaged in community outreach, mobilization, and recruitment efforts across the country until July 17, urging citizens to organize, participate, and make their voices count.

KOIJEE EARNS MASTER’S, CDCIANS LAVISHLY CELEBRATE -EARNS COUNTERTERRORISM EDUCATION FROM ISRAEL

MONROVIA - The Congress for Democratic Change has turned an academic milestone into a political statement. Jefferson Tamba Koijee, the party's National Secretary General, has graduated from Reichman University in Israel. His degree is in Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and International Security. CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo signed a congratulatory statement on behalf of former President George Manneh Weah. The party is framing Koijee's achievement as proof that adversity cannot defeat determination.

It also signals something broader: an opposition group investing in security credentials. Liberia faces complex governance challenges. A CDC leader trained in counterterrorism and diplomacy shifts the party's posture. THE ANALYST reports,

The Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) has mounted a spirited celebration of the academic achievement of its National Secretary General, Jefferson Tamba Koijee, portraying his graduation with a master's degree in Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and International Security from Israel's Reichman University as a testament to perseverance, leadership, and self-improvement.

The opposition party says the milestone not only reflects Koijee's personal determination but also serves as an inspiration to young Liberians and highlights the importance of preparing a new generation of leaders to confront the nation's growing governance and security challenges.

Kowo Signs Statement for Weah

In a congratulatory statement signed by CDC National Chairman Atty. Janga Augustus Kowo on behalf of the party's Political Leader, former President George Manneh Weah, the National Executive Committee, and the CDC grassroots, the opposition party praised Koijee for earning a Master's Degree in Counterterrorism, Intelligence, and International Security from Reichman University's Lauder School of Government, Diplomacy, and Strategy in Herzliya, Israel. The CDC described the accomplishment as far more than an academic success, portraying it as a testament to Koijee's determination and commitment to personal development despite the challenges associated with public life and political leadership.

According to the party, Koijee's journey from grassroots activism to national prominence and now international academic achievement demonstrates that dedication, discipline, and perseverance remain essential ingredients for meaningful leadership.

"From community activism to national leadership and now global scholarship, Comrade Koijee continues to demonstrate that adversity cannot defeat determination, and that true leadership requires continuous growth and preparation," the statement noted.

Symbolic Value for Young Liberians
The opposition party emphasized that the graduation carries significant symbolism for young Liberians, particularly those from disadvantaged communities who aspire to make meaningful contributions to society.

The CDC argued that Koijee's achievement sends a powerful message that education remains a critical pathway to national transformation and individual advancement, regardless of one's background or circumstances.

The party also pointed to what it described as spontaneous celebrations in several communities following news of the graduation, claiming that ordinary citizens voluntarily expressed support and admiration for the CDC executive without any organized mobilization.

According to the CDC, the public reaction reflects the enduring connection between Koijee and the communities he has served throughout his political career.

Broader Political and National Argument
In a broader political context, the party maintained that Liberia's future depends heavily on developing leaders equipped with advanced knowledge in governance, diplomacy, intelligence, and strategic affairs. The CDC said that as the nation confronts increasingly complex domestic and international challenges, leaders who invest in education and capacity-building will be better positioned to contribute to national development and effective governance.

The statement characterized Koijee's graduation as a victory not only for the CDC but also for Liberian youth who continue to pursue excellence despite economic and social obstacles.
"As Liberia faces increasingly complex challenges, the development of leaders equipped with knowledge in governance, diplomacy, and strategic affairs remains essential to the nation's future," the statement asserted.

The party concluded by declaring that the CDC Blue Revolution proudly celebrates the achievement and looks forward to Koijee's return, expressing confidence that his newly acquired expertise will further strengthen his contribution to public service and national leadership.

The CDC further stated that Koijee's academic achievement represents the spirit of service, resilience, and excellence that the party seeks to promote, while expressing optimism about the role he will continue to play in Liberia's political and national development.

The opposition party said it remains proud of what it described as a historic accomplishment by one of its leading figures and expressed hope that Koijee's educational advancement will inspire more young Liberians to pursue higher learning and national service.

SEN. NIMELY STORMS OUT, BLASTS LMTI DEAL -SAYS LMTI DEAL STRIPS REVENUE FROM LIBERIA

MONROVIA - Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely has walked out of a legislative hearing. His target: a controversial transport contract with Liberia Traffic Management Inc. His grievance: Justice Minister Oswald Tweh's failure to appear. The contract is at the center of a deepening dispute. Nimely says it has not been legally consummated. Yet Liberia Traffic Management Inc. is already fully operational. Under the deal, the company retains 70 percent of collected revenue. Liberia receives 30 percent. Nimely calls it a violation of the country's Liberianization policy. He also invokes 2029. The Liberian people, he says, are watching, as THE ANALYST reports.

Tensions reached a boiling point in the Liberian Senate as Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely staged a dramatic walkout from a legislative hearing.

Protesting the absence of Justice Minister Oswald Tweh and raising a red flag over a controversial transport contract with Liberia Traffic Management Inc. (LMTI), Nimely accused the current administration of hiding behind political excuses while executing an unconsummated deal that strips revenue away from the state and directly undermines the country's Liberianization policy.

Nimely staged the dramatic walkout from the Senate hearing, citing "arrogance" from executive officials and raising a red flag over a controversial multi-million-dollar transport contract he claims exploits the Liberian people, with 70 percent of revenue going to the concessionaire and only 30 percent coming to Liberia. The hearing was called to investigate the ongoing contract between the Government of Liberia and LMTI. Tensions boiled over when Minister Tweh failed to appear — a move Senator Nimely described as a deliberate display of disrespect toward the Legislature.

The Core of the Controversy

At the heart of the Senator's protest is a legal and financial puzzle. Senator Nimely revealed that the contract between the government and LMTI has not been legally consummated — that is, fully finalized — yet the company is already fully operational on the ground.

"This contract has not been consummated but it is being implemented. So, what are you implementing? Right now, this company is collecting money for driver's licenses, license plates, and vehicle registrations.

The Ministry of Transport has the statutory mandate to collect this revenue, but it is not doing so. Instead, you are giving it to another group," Senator Nimely stated during an interview following his walkout.

The Senator emphasized that the Senate has spent the last six months warning that the deal harms Liberia's economic health, revenue distribution, and national sovereignty, but those warnings have fallen on deaf ears.

The 70/30 Split and Liberianization
Senator Nimely heavily criticized the financial terms of the contract, questioning why the government agreed to a deal where LMTI keeps 70 percent of collected revenue, leaving Liberia with just 30 percent. He compared the current arrangement to a previous contract with a Liberian-owned firm, which he noted brought in strong revenue and produced high-quality materials. He argued the current deal directly violates the country's economic principles, among which is a violation of the Liberianization policy.

He questioned why a vital national contract was stripped from local Liberian businessman John Youboty and handed to a foreign-owned entity, noting that Youboty had offered a better revenue share to the government and was providing quality services.

Nimely also demanded to know why the government deliberately chose a formula that drastically reduced its own share of public funds. He further raised concerns that the contract may compromise national security, noting that Senate Committee on National Defense, Security and Intelligence Chairperson Senator Momo Cyrus had raised the issue in plenary.

Nimely questioned why a private company should hold the vital biometrics and statistics of Liberian citizens while the Ministry of Transport claims it is still "working out" the details.

No More Excuses from the 'Rescue' Government
The walkout also sparked a sharp political debate on the Senate floor. When Senator Dabah M. Varpilah and other colleagues suggested that the current administration is merely trying to fix a broken system inherited from the Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC) government, Nimely rejected the excuse.

While acknowledging that the previous administration initially mishandled the deal, Nimely noted that the current government has been in power for nearly two and a half years — more than enough time to review and correct the blunder.

"That is why they took power. If you find something that was not appropriately taken care of... your responsibility is to go and fix it.

Otherwise, we can hold you liable to be impotent. There is no room to be giving excuses, trying without results. This country is waiting for tangibles," Nimely argued.

He also took a swipe at ongoing political dismissals in government, noting: "You came to rescue. That is why you have been firing people who professed to be CDCians in this government. I am the Chair on Labor, and I see what has been happening."

A Stand against Executive Arrogance

For Senator Nimely, the final straw was the empty chair of the Minister of Justice. He framed his walkout not just as a protest against a bad traffic contract, but as a defense of the separation of powers.

"I get paid by the government. I do not work for the executive; I work with the executive. If we find something that is against the law, we have to speak about it. And when we speak and nothing is done, we have to tell the Liberian people that this law is not in their favor," Nimely concluded.

He said that for approximately six months, the Senate Joint Committee has made several recommendations to the Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) on how to review the contract, but nothing has been done — citing what he described as the "non-cooperative attitude" of some officials in the executive branch who are bent on ignoring all recommendations forwarded to them.

Nimely warned that the earlier the government realizes these missteps need to be corrected, the better it will be for them, because the Liberian people are watching.

"But again, it is left with the government to do the right thing because the Liberian people are watching.

2029 is around the corner. I am not saying I will do anything against the government, but I have my voter's card, and the citizens are holding their voter's cards, willing to exercise the franchise," he said.