IN a momentous ceremony at the parliament in Monrovia, Joseph Boakai was sworn in as the President of Liberia on Monday, marking the commencement of his six-year term. The 79-year-old leader struck a conciliatory tone during his inauguration speech, emphasising the need for inclusivity and reconciliation after a divisive election in the previous year.
Boakai secured victory in a closely contested runoff poll on November 14, defeating former football star George Weah by a slim margin of less than 2 percentage points. The final results revealed Boakai garnering 50.64 percent of the vote, while Weah secured 49.36 percent. This closely fought election unfolded as a crucial chapter in Liberia’s democratic history.
Having accumulated about 40 years of political experience, Boakai previously served as vice president from 2006 to 2018 under Liberia’s first woman president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. The former president was present at the inauguration ceremony, adding a historic touch to the event.
During his election campaign, President Boakai pledged to address key issues facing the nation, focusing on creating more job opportunities, improving the economy, strengthening institutions, and combating corruption. His inauguration speech reiterated these promises, setting the tone for his administration’s priorities.
The transition of power was acknowledged by former president George Weah, who, in a speech to the nation on Sunday evening, characterised Boakai’s inauguration as a historic moment. Weah, the Ballon d’Or winner elected in 2017, urged Liberians to uphold the rule of law, seek peaceful resolutions to differences, and embrace tolerance and dialogue for the collective progress of the nation.
As Liberia embarks on a new chapter under President Boakai’s leadership, the nation anticipates positive strides in unity, economic development, and governance.