Monrovia, Liberia
Ex-football star George Weah has been sworn in as Liberia's president in a stadium attended by 35,000 near Monrovia. Mr Weah won more than 60% of the votes and beat incumbent Vice-President, Joseph Boakai, in a runoff election on December 26.
This is the country's first democratic transfer of power in more than 70 years. The former FIFA world player of the year, in his address, promised to eradicate corruption. “The way to directly affect the poor is to ensure our resources do not enter in the pockets of government officials. I promise to deliver on this mandate,” he said. He also promised to bring jobs and prosperity.
Dignitaries included the heads of state of Togo, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Gabon. Representatives from the United Nations, African Union, and the European Union were also present. President Weah is the first football player to be elected president.
More than 60% of its 4.6-million citizens are under 25. The challenges faced by Liberia is high youth unemployment, crumbling infrastructure, and poor healthcare and education systems.
We here at the Briefing Room wish President Weah all the best as he takes up the mantle of president.