By Jamesetta D Williams
The July 17 planned protest, now being framed as peaceful assembly by its organizers has been boosted by its endorsement of the Student Integration Movement (SIM) of the University of Liberia.
SIM, however, called on the organizers to expand the focus of the protest to include a petition to the National Legislature for the impeachment of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.
The planned July 17 peaceful assembly is being organized by Solidarity and Trust for a New Day (STAND).
In a Monday press statement, SIM said its decision to support the demonstration was based on concerns over governance, the rule of law, national security, and what it described as the growing drug crisis affecting Liberia.
The student organization urged STAND to elevate the theme of the assembly beyond the fight against drugs and make a broader call for national accountability through the constitutional process.
According to SIM, Liberia is facing serious challenges, including the increasing presence of illicit drugs, concerns over border security, and what the group described as weaknesses in the protection of the rule of law.
“SIM endorses the pending July 17 peaceful assembly of STAND and calls on STAND to elevate the theme of the assembly to petitioning the National Legislature for the impeachment of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr.,” the group stated.
The endorsement adds to growing support from student organizations ahead of the July 17 demonstration. SIM joins other University of Liberia student groups, including the Progressive Students Alliance (PROSA) and the Vanguard Student Unification Party (SUP), which have also expressed support for the planned action.
The convergence of major student movements at Liberia’s premier university has drawn attention from political observers, who say youth participation could play a significant role in shaping the outcome and visibility of the demonstration.
SIM criticized what it described as the silence of major political parties amid national challenges, arguing that political leaders have a responsibility to speak on issues affecting ordinary Liberians.
The group also referenced concerns surrounding the country’s drug situation, particularly the reported increase in cocaine and other substances, while calling for stronger action to protect young people and national security.
Meanwhile, STAND has maintained that the July 17 gathering is intended to be a peaceful exercise of citizens’ constitutional rights, focused primarily on addressing drug-related challenges and demanding greater accountability from national authorities.
As preparations continue, expectations remain high among organizers and supporters that the assembly could attract significant participation from students, civil society groups, and other citizens concerned about governance and national issues.
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