By Geeplay Ezekiel Geeplay| Contributing Writer
Monrovia, Liberia-Wednesday, August 20, 2025- In a breakthrough development, the Ministry of Justice has announced that commercial drivers have agreed to resume transport services starting Tuesday, August 19, 2025; practically, a day ago.
This decision came after a successful dialogue between the Ministry and representatives of the protesters Monday, August 18, 2025 in Monrovia.
The commercial drivers had gone on strike on Monday, causing significant disruptions for commuters in Monrovia, Paynesville, and surrounding areas. The drivers were protesting against alleged harassment and intimidation by police officers, high ticketing fees, and the controversial Liberia Traffic Management (LTM) deal.
The LTM deal, signed in 2018, grants the company a 25-year concession to manage Liberia’s traffic management system, including vehicle registration, driver’s license issuance, and parking enforcement. The agreement was reaffirmed by President Joseph Boakai in January 2025, despite opposition from various stakeholders.
Critics have argued that the deal undermines the Ministry of Transport’s authority and could lead to job losses, increased costs for services, and potential security risks.
The drivers also claimed that LTM officers are extorting money from them, with some alleging that they are forced to pay bribes to avoid hefty fines.
The commercial drivers have been demanding an end to alleged harassment and intimidation by police officers and LTM officials, reduction and review of the ticketing fees to make them more reasonable and fair, as well calling for the cancellation of LTM Deal.
The cancellation of the LTM deal, which they alleged and also believed, is exploitative as well as detrimental to their livelihoods.
While the Ministry of Justice has announced that the drivers have agreed to resume services, it remains to be seen how the government will address the underlying concerns and demands of the drivers.
The Senate had previously voted to suspend the implementation of the LTM concession, citing concerns over revenue losses and reduced public oversight.
Till now, the situation is still fluid, and it will be important to monitor developments in the coming days to see how the government and LTM respond to the drivers’ demands.
