Published: December 16, 2024
Monrovia – A civil rights group, WE THE PEOPLE, comprising activists and advocates from various organizations across Liberia, has announced a two-day protest campaign in Monrovia. The group is demanding the immediate restoration of affordable data packages and other internet services, which they allege were reduced by the Liberian government through the Liberia Telecommunications Authority (LTA).
Miss Amelia S. Siafa, delivering the group’s press statement in Monrovia over the weekend, revealed that the mass protest will take place on Monday and Tuesday, December 16–17, 2024.
The announcement comes in the wake of drastic reductions in data packages and other internet services by Liberia’s two major GSM service providers, Lonestar Cell MTN and Orange Liberia. The decision has sparked widespread public outcry, with many Liberians taking to social media to demand that the government, through the LTA, restore the previous services. Citizens have cited the prevailing economic hardship as unsustainable and criticized the move as an infringement on their basic social needs.
In a four-point demand outlined in the statement, WE THE PEOPLE called on the government to restore internet data prices to pre-December 9 levels, where $5 provided 15 GB and $3 provided 12 GB. The group noted that these prices were manageable for many households and argued that the current hikes are unsustainable.
The group also demanded that the LTA enforce a fair floor price for internet data to prevent telecommunications companies from exploiting consumers. “It is imperative that regulatory duties are performed with the public’s best interests in mind,” the statement emphasized.
WE THE PEOPLE further condemned the promotional strategies employed by telecom companies as deceptive and exploitative. The group called for transparency and fairness in all promotional activities to ensure consumers receive genuine value for their money.
“The reinstatement of three days of free calls is crucial for families who rely on this service to maintain communication. It is a basic necessity that must be restored,” the release asserted.
The group described the recent increases in internet data costs as a blatant disregard for the struggles of ordinary Liberians. “In a nation where unemployment is rampant and many struggle to make ends meet, affordable internet access is not a luxury but a necessity,” the statement noted.
According to WE THE PEOPLE, affordable internet is vital for students accessing educational resources, job seekers looking for opportunities, and families staying connected. They argued that the recent policy changes have deepened the digital divide and exacerbated existing socio-economic disparities.
“This protest is about more than just data prices—it is about justice, equity, and the fundamental right to access essential services,” the group stated.
Miss Siafa further called on national leaders to heed the cries of their citizens, describing the current economic environment as “unbearable for many.”
“We call on all Liberians to join us on Monday, December 16, 2024, for a peaceful protest to demand the restoration of fair telecommunications policies. We will gather at OZ Nightclub on ELWA Road at 8:00 AM and march to the offices of the Liberia Telecommunications Authority to present our petition,” the statement read.
The group also announced that on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, supporters will assemble at the Invincible Sports Park and march to the Executive Mansion to deliver their petition to the President.
Miss Siafa concluded the statement by framing the protest as a fight for the rights, dignity, and future of the Liberian people.
“Together, we can compel our leaders to bring back our data and restore fairness in our telecommunications industry,” she concluded.
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