IPNews-Monrovia, Liberia- 6 January 2018: French President Emmanuel Macron has extended warm felicitation to president-elect George M. Weah on his historic elections as President of Liberia following the December 26, 2017, runoff polls.
A release from the office of the President-elect says that Liberia’s 24th President-elect, Senator George Manneh Weah received plethora of felicitations and well wishes from world leaders, including congratulatory messages from the Government of the United States of America, President Emmanuel Macron of France, the King of Morocco, His Highness Mohammed VI; the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the United Kingdom.
The United States Government, through its Press Secretary, extended congratulations to President-elect George Weah on his victory in a statement dated December 29, 2017.
The US Government according to the release acknowledged the historicity of this victory by recognizing that it is Liberia’s first peaceful and democratic transition of power in decades.
It further intimated that the United States is “deeply committed to the longstanding relationship with Liberia,” and assured President-elect Weah that the United States will “continue to support the success of this historic democratic transition and the peace and prosperity of the people of Liberia.”
For his part, the President of France took to twitter to express his congratulations. He wrote: “Congratulations to George Weah for his brilliant election and all of the people of Liberia for the path towards peace and reconciliation. Congrats Mr. George.”
Additionally, the Government of the United Kingdom through its Minister for Africa, Roy Stewart, wrote: “I congratulate President-elect George Weah of the Republic of Liberia on his election success. The Liberian people and political parties have shown commitment to the peaceful conduct of the electoral process with disputes settled using due process under the constitution. This is a milestone for Liberia’s democracy and sets an example for others to follow.
The UK values its relationship with Liberia and looks forward to working with the new administration.”
Further congratulatory messages came from the King of Morocco, King Mohammed VI, vowing to strengthen bilateral ties.
King Mohammed VI, also in a message to President-elect Weah, said the election result shows “how keen the Liberian people are to promote the democratic transition and make sure their aspirations for a prosperous future are fulfilled.”
The Government of China, through its Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang also expressed congratulations to President-elect, George Weah. In an official statement he said “China is ready to work with Liberia to promote the bilateral comprehensive cooperative partnership and benefit the two peoples.”
The Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta was also amongst the plethora of leaders that congratulated President-elect Weah.
In a statement released on his Facebook page, he wrote “My very warmest congratulations to President-elect George Weah. A serial champion in his days as a footballer, his Excellency and persistence has now won him the leadership of his people. Kenya sends its very best wishes to him and to his administration; and we all look forward to even closer ties in the years ahead. Congratulations, Mr. President-elect.”
Continuing, President Kenyatta said “President-elect Weah’s victory is a triumph of democracy. Adding Kenya will stand with Liberia, as we have in the past, for we believe that Pan-African cooperation will win every African the prosperity and freedom they deserve. I look forward to working with President Weah and his administration in the service of those ideals.”
Newly elected Ghanaian President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo also chimed in his congratulations in a statement released on his Facebook page.
The Ghanaian leader wrote “Warm congratulations to George Oppong Weah on his decisive victory in Liberia’s peaceful presidential run-off, thus becoming the next President of the Republic of Liberia. Vice President Boakai is also to be commended for the maturity of his campaign. This election has strengthened the frontiers of democracy in Liberia, and it is our hope that it will lead to the improvement of the living standards of Liberians. Best wishes for the success of President-elect George Weah, and Vice President-elect, Jewel Taylor.”
Congratulatory messages were also received by several other Heads of state and International organizations. Among them were the presidents of Gabon, Guinea, Niger, Senegal, Nigeria; the president of South Africa, the His Excellency Jacob Zuma; the International Human Rights Organization; the European Union; the African Union; ECOWAS; and several other heads of state and international organizations.
The release said this outpouring of congratulations and warm wishes is a clear indication of the confidence the international community has in President-elect Weah and their desire to ensure his leadership is successful in meeting the needs of the Liberian people.
The European Union has sent its congratulations to Ambassador George Weah for his victory in the Presidential elections in Liberia, following the announcement by the National Elections Commission.
The EU also commended political leaders that showed responsibility in accepting swiftly the outcome of the elections, adding that the professionalism of Liberian institutions, in particular the National Elections Commission and the Liberian National Police, was important.
The high and peaceful participation of Liberian people contributed to the success of the electoral process and these elections open a new era after twelve years of successful leadership by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the EU statement added.
Accordingly, the EU noted that it Election Observation Mission, headed by Chief Observer Maria Arena, observed the elections in close cooperation with national and international actors.
The EOM began its work in Liberia since September 2017, observed the full process of the elections and will soon issue its final report. The report will include recommendations for the strengthening of Liberia’s future electoral processes. The important role of ECOWAS and
UNMIL during the elections are positive expressions of the role of regional and international organizations.
The recent presidential executive order will allow a peaceful transition process from the current government to the new one.
The EU will remain an important and reliable partner of Liberia and is ready to continue working with the new Government on national issues, as well as on regional and international challenges.
