Ahead of the much publicized July 17, protest, InfoQuest Liberia has sounded a clear warning to organisers of the protest to remain peaceful, responsible, and law-abiding.
Matthias Yeanay Executive Director of InfoQuest Liberia, warned that Peaceful protest must not degenerate into provocation, violence, or damage to life and property.
He stated that in a democracy, rights come with responsibilities.
Mr. Yeanay streseed that organisers must bear the moral and civic obligation to ensure that their actions strengthen—not undermine—the very freedoms they seek to exercise.
“We also call on the Liberia National Police and all security agencies to act with utmost professionalism and impartiality”, he added.
Guided by the human security approach (UNDP, 1994), the InfoQuest boss said law enforcement officers must prioritise the safety of all citizens, protesters and bystanders alike—and safeguard public property.
Matthias pointed out that heavy-handedness or politically motivated repression will only escalate tensions and compromise Liberia’s reputation as a growing democracy.
According to him, Liberia’s democracy is being tested—not by the existence of protests, but by how institutions, citizens, and leaders manage them.
At the same time, InfoQuest encourages all Liberians to learn from the past, act within the law, and put the nation first.
He indicated that Democracy flourishes when grievances are addressed through legal and peaceful means, and when justice is upheld for all, without fear or favour.
“Let this protest, whatever its origins or motivations, become a moment where Liberia demonstrates that it has learned from history, respects its Constitution, and is committed to a future grounded in peace, justice, and democratic integrity”, he noted.
InfoQuest also acknowledged and historicized that some protest organisers are key actors in past administrations and have been credibly linked to systemic corruption and economic mismanagement.
“Many are currently facing judicial scrutiny—a welcome sign of Liberia’s growing accountability mechanisms”, he reechoed.
However, in accordance with Article 17 of the Liberian Constitution and Liberia’s international obligations under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (UN, 1966), Mr. Yeanay streseed that these individuals remain entitled to the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.
“In line with Johan Galtung’s theory of positive peace, which emphasises the presence of justice and equality—not merely the absence of violence (Galtung, 1969)—InfoQuest believes that democratic consolidation requires that even unpopular or politically inconvenient voices be granted space for lawful expression”, he said.
To suppress such rights, no matter how tempting, such he pointed out would only breed further resentment and latent instability.
According to him, the planned protest moment calls for national reflection, informed by history and guided by a shared commitment to peace, justice, and the rule of law.
He noted that Liberia’s democratic progress since 2003 must not be undermined by acts that echo past traumas.
Reflecting further, he said the Country is reminded of the 1979 Rice Riots—an initially peaceful demonstration against rising prices that turned violent due to mismanagement and excessive state force.
” That single incident sowed seeds of distrust and instability that contributed to Liberia’s tragic descent into civil conflict (Ellis, 2007)”, he added.
Meanwhile, InfoQuest Liberia is a research and policy platform committed to evidence-based peacebuilding, development, and democratic governance.
wishes to express its position on the planned protest of July 17, 2025, by citizens including members of the former ruling Coalition for Democratic Change (CDC).
