George Weah was sworn in on Monday by Liberian’s Chief Justice, surrounded by thousands of ecstatic supporters at Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium. In his inaugural speech, Weah vowed to crack down on corruption and to launch policies that encourage greater involvement of Liberians in the private sector. “Today we all wear the jersey of Liberia and the victory belongs to the people, to the peace, and to our democracy,” said Weah, dressed for his inauguration in a long white caftan. “We cannot remain spectators in our own economy,” he said. “I do not promise you quick fixes or miracles. Instead, my pledge to you today is that my administration, with your help, will make steady and deliberate progress towards achieving the hopes and aspirations that you cherish in your heart for Mama Liberia.” NY Times – Liberia Swears In George Weah, Its Soccer Star President Weah called upon members of his government to be selfless and promised to fight corruption. “As officials of Government, it is time to put the interest of our people above our own selfish interests. It is time to be honest with our people. Though corruption is a habit amongst our people, we must end it.” He called for a living wage for civil servants “so that corruption is not an excuse for taking what is not theirs.” The inauguration ceremony may be viewed on YouTube – Weah Inauguration.
Among the African presidents attending the inauguration were the presidents of Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Niger, Senegal, Guinea, Mali, and Ghana. Ghanaian President Akufo-Addo said that the inauguration marked “an extremely important development in Liberian history, and in West African history. For us, in West Africa, I think the democratic consolidation that so many of us are seeking is taking place, and, that democracy is gradually being entrenched stronger and stronger in the body politic of our different states.” Ghana Web – Weah’s Inauguration, A Good Day for Africa – Akufo-Addo The five-person U.S. government delegation was led by Thomas Shannon, Under Secretary for Political Affairs at the U.S. Department of State. White House – President Trump Announces Presidential Delegation The inauguration ceremony was broadcast by radio around the country. Residents of Ganta, Nimba County, were disappointed when technical problems prevented live streaming at the local stadium. Observer – Ganta Residents Miss Out on Inauguration
Departing President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and her Vice President, Joseph Boakai, who ran unsuccessfully against Weah, sat next to one another at the ceremony without making eye contact. Earlier this month Mr. Boakai’s party expelled Sirleaf, accusing her of supporting Mr. Weah instead of her fellow party member. Sirleaf has challenged that decision. Wash Post – Liberia President Rejects Expulsion One of Sirleaf’s final acts as President was an executive order that abolishes female genital mutilation and provides other protection against domestic violence. The executive order was issued after Liberia’s legislative bodies failed to pass a much heralded Domestic Violence Act. Sirleaf’s executive order could renew the push to have the Domestic Violence Act passed by the legislature early in Weah’s presidency. FPA – Sirleaf Abolishes Female Genital Mutilation
At the inaugural ball on Monday evening, President Weah pleaded with Liberians to embrace his wife, Clar Duncan-Weah, who is a naturalized U.S citizen of Jamaican birth. Weah appeared to be acknowledging comments on social media critical of a non-Liberian First Lady. FPA – President Weah Cautions Liberians Against Alienating The First Lady