Liberia: Thousands descend on capital Monrovia in anti-govt protests

Thousands of protesters lined the streets of Liberia’s capital Morovia on Friday to protest what they perceive as corruption and worsening living conditions under the presidency of former footballer George Weah.

The demonstration, organised by a coalition of opposition groups and parties Council of Patriots (COP), saw over 5,000 people take to the streets in protest against government corruption, increasing inflation the cost of living, in what may be the biggest challenge yet to Liberian President George Weah.

The footballer-turned-president campaigned on promises of bolstering Liberia’s economy and eradicating poverty in the lead-up to his election in 2018.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and WhatsApp were reportedly blocked by the government during the protests.