Liberia swears in ex-soccer star George Weah as leader
23 January, 2018
Former international soccer star George Weah was sworn in as Liberia’s new president Monday, taking over the impoverished West African nation from Africa’s first female leader.
The 51-year-old, who was FIFA’s 1995 player of the year, took the oath of office dressed in all white at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex to cheers from tens of thousands of Liberians.
“I fully believe that the overwhelming mandate that I received from the Liberian people is a mandate to end corruption in public service; I promise to deliver on this mandate,” he said. “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.”
Weah, who has been a senator and run for Liberia’s presidency before but is relatively new to national politics, inherits a weak economy along with poor health and educational sectors.
“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 deliver progress toward achieving the hopes and aspirations that you cherish in your heart for Mama Liberia,” he said.
Weah then switched seats with his predecessor, Nobel Peace Prize winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who was president for 12 years, lifting Liberia from the destruction of back-to-back civil wars and facing the challenge of the Ebola crisis that killed thousands here.
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