Libera Elects the First Woman President in Africa: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf

Just in from the BBC: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, known as the "Iron Lady", has claimed victory as the first woman to be elected president in Liberia, and Africa as a whole.

Read about this extraordinary woman's life at Women Waging Peace and at her campaign site.

Ellen on National Unity:
One of the reasons that Liberia is currently in turmoil is that we have permitted our differences, both ethnic and political, to divide us.

We believe that democracy and diversity are compatible. We believe that we do not have to be the same to co-exist. I believe that we can have differences of opinion without resorting to violence.

We will strive to respect and accept our history and I will promote a social and a political environment that unites all Liberians under the principle of “One People One Destiny.”

We will preach and practice national reconciliation and I will ensure that my government is one of inclusion, which reflects the diversity of the nation and grants equal rights and equal security to all.
Our goal is to lay a foundation for a new, strong and productive Liberia in which:

• The government reflects the social religious and cultural diversity of our nation.


• Every Liberian has a recognized role to play in national development.


• Opportunities are made available to everybody who is prepared to work.


• An extra effort is made to rehabilitate those who have lost hope and trust in their government and country, particularly our youth and ex-combatants, so long as they are truly committed to peace and development.


• Those who have been internally and externally displaced from their communities are reintegrated into society.


• There is an assurance for all Liberians within our borders of equal justice and protection under our laws.

To this end, we believe Liberia needs a successful program of disarmament, demobilization, reintegration and resettlement which will enable our children who had been forced into arms and who have been robbed of their childhood and youth, to return to the schools and training programs that will make them productive, constructive citizens. The same applies to the thousands of Liberians who have been made refugees and internally displaced.We believe that, together, we can make these things happen and that the future of Liberia depends upon our ability to work diligently toward these goals.