George Weah sworn in as president of Liberia
Ex-Premier League star replaces Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as head of state

Former Chelsea and Man City striker George Weah stepped out in front of a packed stadium today, 15 years after retiring from football - not to play a match, but to become the president of Liberia.
His inauguration this morning, following the departure of his predecessor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, marks the first peaceful transfer from one elected president to another in the African state’s modern history.
“I promise to be the agent of positive change,” the 51-year-old told the crowd at the Samuel Doe stadium, less than ten miles from the poor Clara Town district of the capital city where he grew up.
The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Weah’s rise from humble beginnings resonated with younger voters keen to uproot the privileged elite who have dominated Liberian politics.
In the October elections, Weah “rode on a wave of support from young Liberians in the country where more than half of the population is under 35”, Bloomberg reports.
“This victory would not have been possible without the youth of this country, the women of this country who made their living selling in the market,” Weah said during his inaugural address. “This is your government.”
“Nobody doubts his ability to motivate and inspire,” says the BBC. “The unknown quantity is his capacity to administer effectively.”
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Years of civil war followed by the ebola crisis of 2014-2016 have stunted Liberia’s economic growth, leading to knock-on effects for public services such as healthcare. Corruption remains stubbornly endemic.
Weah’s vice-presidential pick, senator Jewel Howard-Taylor, is the ex-wife of warlord Charles Taylor, now serving a 50-year sentence for war crimes at HMP Frankland in County Durham.
-
Nepal chooses toddler as its new ‘living goddess’
Under the Radar Girls between two and four are typically chosen to live inside the temple as the Kumari – until puberty strikes
-
October 5 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include half-truth hucksters, Capitol lockdown, and more
-
Jaguar Land Rover’s cyber bailout
Talking Point Should the government do more to protect business from the ‘cyber shockwave’?
-
Russia is ‘helping China’ prepare for an invasion of Taiwan
In the Spotlight Russia is reportedly allowing China access to military training
-
Interpol arrests hundreds in Africa-wide sextortion crackdown
IN THE SPOTLIGHT A series of stings disrupts major cybercrime operations as law enforcement estimates millions in losses from schemes designed to prey on lonely users
-
China is silently expanding its influence in American cities
Under the Radar New York City and San Francisco, among others, have reportedly been targeted
-
How China uses 'dark fleets' to circumvent trade sanctions
The Explainer The fleets are used to smuggle goods like oil and fish
-
One year after mass protests, why are Kenyans taking to the streets again?
today's big question More than 60 protesters died during demonstrations in 2024
-
What happens if tensions between India and Pakistan boil over?
TODAY'S BIG QUESTION As the two nuclear-armed neighbors rattle their sabers in the wake of a terrorist attack on the contested Kashmir region, experts worry that the worst might be yet to come
-
Why Russia removed the Taliban's terrorist designation
The Explainer Russia had designated the Taliban as a terrorist group over 20 years ago
-
Inside the Israel-Turkey geopolitical dance across Syria
THE EXPLAINER As Syria struggles in the wake of the Assad regime's collapse, its neighbors are carefully coordinating to avoid potential military confrontations