Since the 2023 general elections, Liberia has experienced notable political change, social protest, and civic activism. These developments have created both new opportunities and revealed persistent challenges in the environment for civil society.
In October 2023, Liberia held general elections (presidential, legislative, and part of the senatorial elections) in which incumbent president George Weah was narrowly defeated in a presidential runoff by the current President Joseph Nyumah Boakai. Compared to previous elections, this peaceful transition has been hailed by observers as relatively free, fair, and transparent, contributing to democratic consolidation. Nevertheless, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented several incidents of election-related violations of fundamental freedoms ahead of the elections. These included voter trucking—the transport of individuals to register or vote outside their constituencies—which triggered tensions and sporadic violence in towns such as Geynimah and Brewerville. Additionally, arbitrary arrests, curbs on freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as impunity for perpetrators of election-related violence were observed.
Protests over governance, public service, and corruption continued in the following years. In early 2024, protests by the wives of soldiers who were dissatisfied with their husbands’ pay, benefits, living conditions and corruption claims forced the defence minister to resign. In July 2025, a large protest under the slogan “Enough is enough” brought together thousands of Liberians to the capital hill to demand better governance, accountability, and relief from socio economic hardship, including deteriorating public services, corruption and government neglect.
