SWORN IN AS PRESIDENT OF LIBERIA, JOSEPH BOAKAI

With his official inauguration as Liberia’s new president, Joseph Boakai has brought about a dramatic change in the political landscape of the nation.

The 79-year-old politician, who has four decades of political experience, won the election by a slim margin over former football player and Ballon d’Or winner George Weah in a hotly contested runoff ballot.

Notable people, such as US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, attended the swearing-in ceremony, which took place at the country’s parliament.

Boakai, who held the position of vice president under Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the country’s first female president, from 2006 to 2018, takes on the difficult responsibility of dealing with the country’s poverty, corruption, and deficient legal system.

Five million people live in Liberia, a nation that has long suffered with these problems that were made worse by years of civil conflict and an Ebola outbreak.

The country also has to deal with the issue of impunity for crimes committed during its past wars.

Boakai sided with local insiders throughout the election campaign, such as former warlord Prince Johnson, who switched his allegiance from Weah to Boakai during the most recent election.

Johnson has been designated to propose Jeremiah Koung for vice president. Johnson is a controversial character who is subject to US sanctions.

A area recently rocked by military coups finds itself in stark contrast to the smooth conduct of the election in November.

Liberians now expect Boakai to deliver on his campaign pledges to increase employment, boost the economy, fortify institutional frameworks, and combat corruption.
Expectations are high for notable advancements in these important areas given his lengthy political career.