Liberia: Joseph Boakai calls for unity in his first presidential address
In his first speech following his election victory on Wednesday 22 November, 78-year-old Joseph Boakai made a moving appeal for unity in Liberia. Having won the elections with a slender majority of 50.64%, Joseph Boakai outstripped his opponent, former football star and incumbent President George Weah, who obtained 49.36%.
«The elections are now behind us, and as a nation we must come together to rebuild our country», Boakai told the media at a press conference.
He stressed the need for national collaboration, urging all Liberians, whatever their political affiliation, to join in this collective effort.
George Weah’s admission of defeat was hailed as a gesture of support for a peaceful transition of power.
Joseph Boakai expressed his gratitude, saying that this peaceful transition was a victory for Liberia.
Beyond the electoral results, the central issue at stake in these elections is the future stability of Liberia, a nation that has overcome years of civil war and the Ebola epidemic.
Joseph Boakai has promised to extend development to all regions of the country, with a particular focus on building roads in the long-neglected south-east.
The new President reiterated his commitment to fighting corruption, announcing major reforms in the security and justice systems.
He also underlined his commitment to the rule of law and offered his condolences to the victims of a tragic accident during his victory celebrations, when a car crashed into the road, resulting in the loss of at least three lives.
Smith OKAFOR
