MONROVIA, Liberia – June 23, 2025 The streets of Central Monrovia are expected to see an unprecedented wave of solidarity as Liberia’s motorcyclists gear up for a major protest slated for July 17, 2025. The rally, spearheaded by Mulbah K. Morlu, Jr., Chairman of the Solidarity and Trust Alliance for National Development (STAND), is already gaining momentum as bikers across the capital and beyond vow to join the march against what they describe as “brutality, illegal arrests, and systemic harassment.”
In a charged meeting over Monday in Monrovia, Morlu met with hundreds of commercial motorcyclists at an open-air gathering near the Red Light Corridor, a known biker hotspot. The Chairman, known for his populist rhetoric and fiery advocacy, did not mince words.
“The days of silence are over,” Morlu declared to thunderous applause. “You feed your families with these bikes, you contribute to the economy, and yet you are treated like criminals. On July 17, we ride together — not just on bikes, but on the wheels of justice!”
Flanked by local biker union leaders and STAND organizers, Morlu’s visit came as part of a broader mobilization campaign launched earlier this month to unify marginalized groups and protest growing social injustices across the country. His message hit home with many motorcyclists, who have long complained of what they call “state-sponsored oppression.”
Many in attendance shared their stories of alleged police brutality, extortion at checkpoints, and the impounding of bikes without due process. “They don’t treat us like citizens,” said Emmanuel Gaye, a biker. “They take our bikes, ask us for bribes, and beat us for speaking up. We are tired!”
Togar Alexander Bealded, a key STAND figure who was recently appointed to the Mobilization and Outreach Committee from abroad emphasized the importance of organizing peacefully but firmly.
“This is not just a protest — this is a declaration,” he said. “We’re standing for the rider in Kakata, the hustler in Duala, and every citizen fed up with abuse.”
According to sources within the protest’s planning committee, various task forces have been established to ensure coordination, safety, and messaging. Riders have pledged to converge from counties including Montserrado, Margibi, Bong, and Grand Bassa, with some even planning overnight rides to the capital.
The July 17 protest is already being referred to as “The People’s Protest”, a symbolic movement that organizers hope will force the government to engage in dialogue over alleged human rights abuses and economic injustices and respect for the rule of law.
A joint statement issued by the organizing coalition warned that any attempt to suppress the protest would only galvanize more support. They called on national and international human rights observers to monitor the buildup and the protest day itself.
Meanwhile, social media is awash with promotional flyers and hashtags like #EnoughIsEnough, #July17Ride, and #StandWithBikers, signaling what may become one of the largest public demonstrations Liberia has seen in years.
As tensions rise and riders rev their engines in anticipation, one thing is clear: on July 17, the streets of Monrovia will roar with the voices and engines of a movement unwilling to be silenced.
