Joseph Boakai assumed the presidency of Liberia on Monday, taking the oath of office after securing victory over former football star George Weah.

The 79-year-old narrowly won the November run-off poll with 50.64 percent of the votes. Boakai, with 40 years of political experience, served as vice president from 2006 to 2018 under Liberia’s first female president, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

Despite a peaceful election in the West African country, Liberia continues to grapple with corruption, high poverty levels, and a weak justice system, exacerbated by years of civil war.

Boakai has pledged to address these challenges, focusing on job creation, economic improvement, institutional strengthening, and anti-corruption efforts. The new president is also expected to work towards ensuring a stable supply of electricity and water, improving road infrastructure, and attracting investment.

Boakai’s presidency faces high expectations, with Liberians hopeful for positive change and a departure from past unfulfilled promises made by leaders in addressing corruption and economic conditions.