Liberia’s newly inaugurated president, Joseph Boakai, faced an unexpected hurdle during his swearing-in ceremony as he suffered from heat exhaustion, prompting an early end to his inauguration speech in the capital, Monrovia.
The 79-year-old president-elect, taking the reins after narrowly defeating former football star George Weah in a runoff election last November, encountered difficulties addressing the nation outdoors amid sweltering heat. Boakai paused twice during his speech, visibly affected by the conditions, and was assisted off the podium by his aides, cutting short the ceremony.
The president’s office swiftly released a statement addressing the incident, confirming that Boakai had experienced heat exhaustion. However, doctors later reassured the public, stating that Boakai is now “perfectly fine” and has resumed his normal activities.
Boakai’s age and stamina had been a subject of discussion during the election campaign, with some opponents questioning whether he had the energy required for the demanding role of the presidency. Despite these concerns, Boakai managed to secure victory over Weah, showcasing his resilience and determination.
As a seasoned politician, Boakai has a long history of public service, having served as vice president from 2006 to 2018 and as the minister of agriculture in previous years. During his campaign, he pledged to address critical issues plaguing Liberia, including corruption and a lack of basic services.
In his truncated speech on Monday, Boakai emphasized his commitment to “rescue” Liberia from its challenges. He spoke of the hardships faced by the nation, highlighting dysfunction and corruption in various sectors. The incident, while momentarily overshadowing the inauguration, has ignited discussions about the president’s health and the challenges he may face as he endeavors to fulfill his promises of national rescue and revitalization.
