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George Weah sworn in as Liberia’s president

January 23, 2018

Former international footballer George Weah has been sworn in as president of Liberia.

"I have spent many years of my life in stadiums, but today is a feeling like no other," President Weah told crowds in the capital Monrovia. It is Liberia's first transition between democratically-elected leaders since 1944. Mr Weah thanked his predecessor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, for bringing peace to the country after years of civil war. In his inauguration speech, Mr Weah said he couldn't offer any "quick fixes" but rather steady progress towards the goals of Liberians. His biggest priorities, he said, would be to fight corruption and pay civil servants "a living wage," and show the private sector that Liberia was "open for business". Tens of thousands of people attended the inauguration at the Samuel Doe Stadium in Monrovia, with many queuing for hours to enter.
Liberians cheer as they stand in line to enter the inauguration off the President-elect, George Weah, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe stadium, in Monrovia, Liberia, 22 January 2018.Image copyrightEPA
Liberians cheer as they stand in line to enter the inauguration off the President-elect, George Weah, at the Samuel Kanyon Doe stadium, in Monrovia, Liberia, 22 January 2018.Image copyrightEPA
President Weah took the oath of office soon after 13:00GMT in front of an estimated 35,000 people.
Liberia's new President George Weah raises his hand during the swearing-in ceremony at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, January 22, 2018.Image copyrightREUTERS
Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto'o watched the historic moment, along with the presidents of Ghana, Gabon and Sierra Leone.
Cameroon international soccer player Samuel Eto'o Fils arrives for Liberia's new President George Weah swearing-in ceremony at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, January 22, 2018.Image copyrightREUTERS
Liberia's former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the new President elect George Weah are seen during his swearing-in ceremony at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, January 22, 2018.Image copyrightREUTERS
Liberia's outgoing President Sirleaf attended the ceremony. Mr Weah thanked Mrs Sirleaf, Africa's first female elected head of state, for "laying the foundations on which we can now stand in peace".
Liberia's former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and the new President elect George Weah speak during his swearing-in ceremony at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in Monrovia, Liberia, January 22, 2018Image copyrightREUTERS
*BBC

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