January 22, 2024 will remain a historic date for Liberia, with the inauguration ceremony of new President Joseph Boakaï. Thousands of people gathered in Monrovia to witness this major event in Liberia’s young democracy.
The ceremony took place at the Capitol Building, the seat of government, in a festive atmosphere. The new president was sworn in and delivered a speech that drew criticism, particularly because of its excessive length. Indeed, the duration of more than an hour required two breaks for President Boakaï, who finally left the podium with the help of those close to him. An incident which fueled concerns about his age and state of health, already raised during the electoral campaign.
Despite these controversies, the inauguration ceremony was marked by the presence of many distinguished guests, such as the president of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, and the former president of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo. Representatives from the United States, Sierra Leone and Ghana were also present, reflecting the importance of this day for the region.
Liberia, undermined by corruption and poverty, places great hopes in Joseph Boakaï to initiate positive change. The outgoing president, George Weah, also participated in the ceremony, defending his record during the last years of his mandate.
Joseph Boakaï has already affirmed his desire to break with the excesses of his predecessor by reducing the costs of his investiture ceremony. A symbolic gesture which demonstrates its commitment to fighting corruption and managing the country’s resources responsibly.
Liberians hope that the new president can meet their expectations for economic development, the fight against poverty and the strengthening of the rule of law. Joseph Boakaï has committed to making an initial assessment of his mandate in the next 100 days, thus providing transparency on his action from the first months of his presidency.
The inauguration ceremony of Joseph Boakaï marks a new era for Liberia. The challenges are numerous, but the hope is there, carried by the desire for change and progress. It remains to be seen whether the new president will be able to meet expectations and lead the country towards a better future.