The president’s utterances mark a shift from his previous calls for a roundtable dialogue with opposition protest leaders, who on June 7 organised the largest mass protest since the return to civilian democratic rule in 2005. Presenting a one-month ultimatum to the government, protesters have demanded judicial reforms, hastening of anti-graft measures and efforts to alleviate economic hardship.
The high costs of policing the protests will prompt government criticism of the opposition given recent public sector budget cuts.
Weah’s government will face accusations of creeping authoritarianism after the cutting of internet services during the protest.
Additional demonstrations would likely prompt a spike in the price of basic foodstuffs, potentially undermining protest momentum.
