Drivers’ Union stages nationwide protest

Several travellers were stranded on Monday, May 12, 2025, as drivers staged protest against alleged police harassment and excessive ticketing.

By Edwin N. Khakie

Bong County, Liberia — Transportation services across Liberia are facing major disruptions as members of the Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia (FRTUL) launched a nationwide go-slow action in protest against what they called excessive ticketing and continued harassment by officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP).

The protest, which began in Bong County, has quickly spread to other parts of the country, causing delays and a sharp reduction in the availability of commercial transport. The drivers’ union says their action is aimed at drawing the government’s attention to what they describe as unfair treatment by traffic authorities.

Speaking to reporters in Gbarnga, Bong County, the Chief Driver of the Federation for the County, Mr. Samuel Johnson, said the drivers have grown increasingly frustrated over what he termed the “excessive and unjust issuance of traffic tickets” and “alleged harassment” at the hands of some LNP officers.

“This is not just about tickets — it is about the daily intimidation and unfair targeting of our members,” Johnson explained. “We are peaceful citizens contributing to the economy, but we are being treated like criminals on the roads.”

The Federation of Road Transport Union of Liberia, which represents thousands of commercial drivers across the nation, said its decision to stage the go-slow protest was made after repeated attempts to engage with authorities failed to yield results.

Commuters across Monrovia, Gbarnga, Kakata, and other major towns are already feeling the impact of the drivers’ action, as public transport has become scarce. Many workers and students were seen stranded along main roads early Monday morning, as taxi and bus services ground to a near halt.

“This is serious,” said Faith Kollie, a resident of Gbarnga who struggled to find transport to her school campus. “We hope the government and the drivers can find common ground quickly because we are the ones suffering.”

However, the Liberia National Police has yet to issue an official statement regarding the drivers’ allegations or the ongoing protest. However, sources within the LNP say that internal meetings are underway to address the escalating situation.

Transportation experts warn that if the go-slow continues, it could have ripple effects on market activities and essential services, especially in rural counties where road access is already a challenge.

As the protest unfolds, all eyes are now on the Liberian government to intervene and negotiate with the Federation to restore normal transportation services. -Edited by Othello B. Garblah.