Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, President of the Republic of Liberia. The west African nation has been a focal point in the international traffic of illegal diamonds.
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Liberia: President Sirleaf Joins Senegal in 50th Independance Anniversary Celebrations
5 April 2010
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President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has described the inauguration in Senegal of the African Renaissance Monument as a symbol that represents the lifting of the African flag.
She stated that it is a testimony to Africa's freedom and the continent's ability to choose its own destiny. The President urged African Governments to bury the past of slavery and colonialism and to continue forging ahead into the future. The Liberian leader was speaking in Dakar, Senegal, following the inauguration of the African Renaissance Monument, which coincided with the 50th Independence Anniversary of the country.
In a speech at the Independence Day event, the President of Senegal, Abdoulaye Wade, called on the Senegalese people to continue the unity that has brought them so many accomplishments over the years. President Wade stated that the success of the celebration was a result of the patriotism of
the Senegalese people - a sentiment which he believed would enhance development. Senegal, he said, is for all Senegalese.
He expressed heartfelt gratitude to all delegates and ordinary people who joined the Senegalese to celebrate their anniversary.
The occasion brought together more than ten African Presidents and representatives of several Governments and organizations around the world, including the United States, Asia, Europe, and the United Arab Emirates. The dignitaries included the President of the African Union, the President of
Malawi, former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo and Rev. Jesse Jackson, Sr. of the Rainbow Coalition of the United States.
The celebration, which took place from the 3rd to the 4th of April, also included a parade in which military hardware including helicopters, armored-vehicles, amongst others, were put on display to demonstrate Senegal's preparedness to defend its sovereignty.
In another development, the Liberian community in Dakar, Senegal, appealed to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to facilitate their return to Liberia. According to the President of the community, James Kolleh, most of them are languishing in Dakar without jobs and schooling, and that their return to Liberia will enable them to go to school.
The Liberians said they were proud that President Johnson Sirleaf attended what they described as an historic and colorful celebration. The President assured the Liberian Community in Dakar that the Liberian Government wouldwork with its embassy in Dakar to begin formulating plans for their gradual return.
The President's delegation, which included the Minister of State for Presidential Affairs, Dr. Edward McClain, Representative Haja Fata Siryon of Bomi County, and the Secretary General of the Federation of Liberian Youths (FLY) Mr. Jerry Tarbolo, returned to the country Sunday afternoon.
Copyright © 2010 Liberia Government. All rights reserved. Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
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