MONROVIA, Montserrado – President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf delivered her farewell message to the nation on Wednesday, asking citizens to support the new administration of President-elect George Weah.

Weah will take the oath of office on Monday, January 22 at a ceremony to be graced by an array of world leaders, celebrities, and over 30,000 Liberians.

Sirleaf said although the country had a “contentious, highly-charged political year,” all Liberians must now come together and disregard the past of political campaigning.

“Liberia has but one president and one government. We must dedicate ourselves to ensuring its success,” she said. “My parting wish is that you will support your new government. Respond to its call for action and civility, and hold it accountable.”

Sirleaf also disclosed that as governments and countries around the world were turning inward, in search of resolutions to their domestic challenges, countries like Liberia must be more self-reliant with each citizen taking more responsibility for development.

Sirleaf first took office in 2006 as the first democratically elected female president of an African nation. She said although the country at the time was exhausted by decades of conflict, and started from the bottom in terms of infrastructure, the economy, and provision of social services because of the civil war, Liberians maintained pride in their nation and the determination to persevere.

“Our collective faith and resolve were put to test, as they have been many times over in our 170 years of independence. But the heavy burden my government inherited, and the painful past which we carried together, were no match for you, my dear friends,” she said.

“It was your energy that lifted me up each day – motivated me, gave me the drive to exhaust all possibilities for the benefit of our beloved Liberia. As I speak my last words to you as president, they are simply to say: thank you for the honor to serve.”

Sirleaf said when she first took office, many were not certain of whether Liberia could get on a path to sustained democracy and peace. She bragged about the two “peaceful and credible successive national elections” held under her administration in addition to the ongoing historic transfer of power from one elected leader to another, which is the first in more than seven decades.

She called the country’s democracy “irreversible” and said Liberia was now reflecting the changing face of Africa, where the rule of law, human rights, good governance, and accountability are demanded by its citizens.

“This is Africa’s future, and Liberia is one of its enviable democracies,” the president noted.

The outgoing Liberian leader offered tributes to international partners, including investors, friends, and non-governmental organizations, adding that she is leaving the presidency in admiration of their generosity.

“In a world with so many great needs, you chose Liberia. We have learned and innovated together, and these gains will go on to benefit our next generation,” she said.

She also paid homage to countries in Africa, particularly those in West Africa, who granted refuge to Liberia during its days of turmoil by helping to restore peace and supporting its paths of democracy. “We can now boast of unprecedented regional solidarity,” she noted.

Sirleaf recognized the contributions of the government and people of the United States of America, who she said had been there with the country through its difficult moments. She also hailed the governments and people of China, Germany, Japan, Norway, Sweden, Kuwait and the United Kingdom.

Sirleaf also thanked civil society, the media, the judiciary, and religious and traditional leaders for having reminded her government “of our responsibility to live a life of purpose, and in service to others.”

The president concluded by thanking those served in her administration, including civil servants.

“You should be immensely proud of what you have contributed to our great nation. You leave behind functioning institutions, a plan of transition, and trained professionals,” she said.

“The foundation has been laid for the next administration.”

Featured photo by Zeze Ballah