Monrovia, Liberia – June 21, 2025
A group of visually impaired Liberians took to the streets of Monrovia on Friday in a passionate protest against what they call years of government neglect and betrayal. The demonstration, which began at the historic Group of 77 headquarters on Newport Street, echoed through central Monrovia with chants demanding dignity, inclusion, and action from the nation’s leaders.
Holding placards that read “We Are Not Invisible” and “Disability Is Not a Crime”, the demonstrators, many guided by white canes and supporters, called attention to the dire living conditions of disabled citizens across Liberia.
The protest comes in the wake of a powerful statement released by Liberian political activist and student, Togar Alexander Bealded, who is currently studying diplomacy and conflict studies abroad. Bealded’s essay, titled “When Power Blinds You to the People’s Pain”, quickly made rounds on social media, adding fuel to growing public discontent.
“It’s astonishing how easy it is to lose touch with reality when you’re in government and touching money every day,” Bealded wrote. “The writing on the wall starts to look like nonsense… Yet we watch as the First Lady and the Vice President’s wife, who are supposed to champion vulnerable groups like the Group of 77, fly business class from one global destination to the next, while the very sector they sit over remains in shambles.”
Many protesters cited this commentary as a source of inspiration for the day’s action.
“It feels like we’ve been forgotten,” said James Kollie, a spokesperson for the organizing committee. “We’re not protesting just for ourselves, but for every disabled Liberian begging in the sun, every elder without care, and every child with special needs left behind.”
The Group of 77, a government-backed organization under the Office of the Vice President, has long been tasked with supporting Liberia’s disabled population. However, critics say it has become a shadow of itself, underfunded and poorly managed, while top officials enjoy perks and privileges overseas.
Protesters presented a petition to the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, demanding increased budgetary support, better housing and healthcare access, and a full audit of the Group of 77’s financial and operational management.
As July 17 approaches a date Bealded referred to in his statement as “a showdown” many see this protest as a spark in what could become a broader movement of marginalized voices calling for real change.
“We’re watching. We’re organizing. We will not be silent anymore,” said protester and activist Martha Kpannah. “The government must feel what we’ve been feeling for years rejection.”
The Ministry has yet to release an official response.
This story is developing and may be updated as more information becomes available.
