Liberia: Presidential inauguration in Monrovia Jan. 22 /update 16

Event

President-elect George Weah (Coalition for Democratic Change party) will be inaugurated on Monday, January 22, in the capital Monrovia. Large crowds and a consequent heightened security presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions are expected on the day. Conditions at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport (ROB) are expected to be busy in the days around the inauguration.

Context

On December 29, Liberia’s National Elections Commission (NEC) officially declared Weah the new president of Liberia, defeating Vice President Joseph Boakai (ruling Unity Party) with 61.5 percent of the December 26 runoff vote. Weah will replace current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has served two complete terms.

The second round of voting was initially scheduled for November 7. However, various parties filed formal complaints with the NEC in late October following accusations of fraud, demanding the first round of voting (October 10) be annulled. The second round was postponed while the commission investigated the claims of fraud, which were eventually discarded.

Advice

Individuals present in Liberia are advised to monitor local news and to avoid any large crowds due to the risk of associated violence. Those intending to travel to or within Monrovia should anticipate disruptions to travel.