Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Liberia's New President Takes Office
Xinhua
2018/1/23 7:51:38

Liberia's new president George Weah took the oath of office on Monday with a vow to bolster the weak economy and to eradicate corruption.

Weah, a former international soccer star, was sworn in at noon inside the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium near the capital city of Monrovia.

"There is more hope among our allies," Weah said in his inaugural speech. "Relationship will grow much stronger during my tenure."

Weah took over from Africa's first elected female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who served a two-term tenure of 12 years.

The presidential inauguration on Monday was the country's first transition between democratically-elected leaders since 1944.

Weah, who defeated the erstwhile governing party's candidate and former vice president Joseph Boakai during the presidential run-off on Dec. 26, vowed to prosecute corrupt officials.

He assured the international community that Liberia will be open for business at all times, as the new government would create a conducive environment for huge investments.

He also pledged to invest in agriculture and infrastructure to improve the livelihood of Liberians.

At least eight African heads of state and some international soccer stars witnessed the ceremony.

Chinese President Xi Jinping's special envoy, Li Bin, also attended the inauguration.

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