The 2019–2020 Liberian protests were a series of mass protests and civil disobedience campaigns as part of a popular movement by civilians in Liberia against economic turmoil; protesters demanded the resignation of the government of George Weah due to the crisis. Protesters first began their anti-government rallies in June, however, police fired tear gas to disperse protesters while the internet was shut down in an attempt to quell mass protests. Opposition protests were organised throughout June, watched over by a heavy military presence. Protests consisted of nonviolent demonstrations, general strikes, barricades and bloodless disturbances.[1][2]
Demonstrations re-erupted in December during which strikes and weekly protests were staged and held led by the opposition, with the biggest on 6–7 January 2020. Police used a water cannon to clear chanting and marching demonstrators and protesters, some of whom were setting tires on fire. Demonstrations and strikes continued for the week, however, the government managed to contain the movement by banning assemblies, protests and some members of the opposition. Protest activities and social protests were quelled in Monrovia.[3][4]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "In Liberia, Weah Faces Growing Protests Over a Sinking Economy". WPR. January 10, 2020.
- ^ "Liberia discontent: More anti-government protests expected". Al Jazeera. 6 January 2020.
- ^ "Protests in Liberia over George Weah's failure to tackle corruption". The Guardian. 7 June 2019.
- ^ "Liberian police fire tear gas, water cannon to clear protesters". Al Jazeera. 6 January 2020.