On April 30, 2025, the streets of Monrovia witnessed an unusual sight. A group of individuals, draped in the Liberian flag and holding a banner featuring an image of Captain Ibrahim Toure, the President of Burkina Faso, took to the principal roads of the city. The reason for their march remains unclear, but their demonstration disrupted the normal flow of activities in Liberia’s capital.
In response to the event, the Ministry of Justice issued a statement clarifying that the protest was unauthorized. The Ministry, which holds the statutory responsibility to issue permits for protests and marches, reminded the public of the legal requirements for such activities.
While it is every Liberian’s constitutional right to engage in peaceful protest, the Ministry emphasized that any demonstration must first receive approval through a formal written permit. This permit, the Ministry explained, serves as a critical tool in ensuring that law enforcement can protect protesters, guide their movements, and prevent disruptions to traffic, businesses, and the daily lives of other citizens.
The Ministry of Justice condemned the unsanctioned march, underlining that any protest or march without the necessary permit is illegal. “This serves as a clear reminder that all future protests and marches must adhere to the established procedures,” the statement read. “Failure to comply will result in legal action against the perpetrators.”
As the country continues to uphold democratic values, the Ministry stressed that public demonstrations must always be conducted within the boundaries of the law. For future organizers, obtaining the appropriate permits is essential to ensure both the safety of participants and the smooth functioning of Monrovia and beyond.
This warning serves as a final call to stakeholders of any planned protests or marches in the future to seek the necessary approval from the Ministry of Justice to avoid legal consequences.
