By Vaye A. Lepolu
The Student Unification Party (SUP), a prominent student-based political organization at the University of Liberia, celebrated its 54th anniversary on November 22, 2024, on the university’s main campus. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Reaffirming the Faith of Massescracy: A Call for Intra-Party and National Progress.”
During the event, Chairman Sylvester S. Kalou Wheeler reflected on the party’s enduring legacy, stating, “Five decades plus four, the Student Unification Party is still here, championing the cause of students and the masses of the Liberian people.” He expressed pride in the party’s resilience amidst internal controversies and external challenges.
Wheeler emphasized that the party has no regrets regarding its role in advocating for “massescracy”—the governance of the masses, for the masses, and by the masses. He noted that this sacred philosophy has guided the party throughout its historical existence.
Since its founding on October 20, 1970, Wheeler asserted that SUP militants and ideologues have remained steadfast in their mission. “The developing contradictions that threaten the survival of our people in Liberia, Africa, and the world inspire us to fight for social justice, academic freedom, and peace,” he stated. He acknowledged that the party has faced opposition from reactionaries who feel threatened by its legitimate struggles.
Wheeler highlighted the numerous attempts to silence SUP’s revolutionary stance on critical issues since its inception. He noted that the party has survived challenges from the “arrogant oligarchy” of the True Wing Party and has played a crucial role in achieving a multi-party state, political participation, free speech, open democratic spaces, and the freedom of assembly.
He proudly declared, “The Vanguard Student Unification Party has defeated the half-educated bigot Samuel Doe and his militarism, challenged the gangster Charles Taylor, and stood against the last daughter of Jezebel, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.”
During his remarks, Wheeler emphasized that the SUP has remained vocal against the “rotten CDC regime” and continues to hold the Boakai-Koung administration accountable for its social and political responsibilities. He criticized the current government’s rescue mission, stating that it has devolved into a “rascal and reckless mission,” and pledged that SUP would not hesitate to resist any arrogance from recycled politicians.
Wheeler reaffirmed the party’s commitment to fighting for social justice and academic freedom, regardless of who is in power. “We never repent of our battle against all forms of colonialism—imperialism, neocolonialism, etc. We will forever stand tall on the side of students and our marginalized communities in Liberia, Africa, and beyond.”
He outlined the ongoing struggles faced by the Liberian people, emphasizing that the fight continues in various areas:
•“As long as the University of Liberia is not conducive for learning and our education budget does not reflect practical realities, the struggle continues.”
•“As long as our people are unemployed and unable to provide for their basic needs, the struggle continues.”
•“As long as there is mass gender discrimination and violence against women and children, the struggle continues.”
•“As long as our health system is inadequate and people die from preventable diseases, the struggle continues.”
•“As long as the government arrogantly ignores the plight of students and the masses of the Liberian people, the struggle continues.”
•“As long as widespread contradictions reduce our people to common beggars, the struggle continues.”
Wheeler concluded with a resolute affirmation: “As long as contradictions remain unending, the Vanguard Student Unification Party will persist. The struggle continues.”
