Social media reacts to George Weah being sworn in as President of Liberia

© Tomas Griger via 123RF

Weah is the 25th president of the West African nation and has spent the last 13 years building political credibility. He takes over as president of Liberia from Ellen Sirleaf Johnson, who steps down after two terms of six years each.

Weah won the presidency after run-off elections in December 2017 with 61.5% of votes.

Weah is the first African player to win both FIFA’s World Player of the Year trophy and the Ballon d’Or. Weah was largely absent from Liberia during the 1989-2003 civil war period, playing for a string of top-flight European teams including, Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan, and later Chelsea.

The 51-year-old has to tackle challenges such as unemployment—a biting problem for many of the country’s young people. He will also have to solve problems in the public sector such as corruption.

Weah has pledged to make the country more self-sufficient by transforming the agriculture sector and providing vocational training.

Here is what people had to say on Twitter across Africa:

Congratulations President George Weah. Your story; rising from a slum to the Executive Mansion/State House of #Liberia should be the ONLY story sensible Media in Africa are telling today. You inspire many children born in adversity. Eventually, democrats always win over warlords! pic.twitter.com/105YqH65tU

— Capt Collins Wanderi (@CaptWanderiCFE) January 22, 2018

Congratulations to football legend, George Weah on his inauguration as president of Liberia. pic.twitter.com/qB2ySyid1H

— Supabets Ghana (@SupabetsGhana) January 22, 2018

"I have spent my life in Stadiums but I've never felt like this" said George Weah on his inauguration ceremony which is held in Samuel Doe Stadium Monrovia

— Moonira ⭐ (@falsafathabesh) January 22, 2018

George Weah, will be sworn in as Liberia's new president today #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/V6J6KwDCJv

— SAfm news (@SAfmnews) January 22, 2018

The first peaceful transition in Liberia ���� since 1944 as President Sirleaf Johnson hands over to Mr. George Weah. Congratulations to this historic African country! pic.twitter.com/mwWvpqEErg

— JJ. Omojuwa (@Omojuwa) January 22, 2018

This will represent Liberia's first democratic transition of power since 1944.
George Weah during the swearing in ceremony at Liberia’s presidential inauguration.
Big ups to this Legend here�� pic.twitter.com/vHb69BhI1G

— Mac Nels (@mac_nels) January 22, 2018