20 Jan 2018 | 03:57 AM UTC
Liberia: Inauguration of President-elect George Weah in Monrovia Jan. 22 /update 17
Inauguration of President-elect George Weah in Monrovia January 22; related events begin January 19
Event
The inauguration of Liberian President-elect George Weah is scheduled on Monday, January 22, in Monrovia. According to the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the official inauguration ceremony will begin at 09:45 (local time) at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex in the Paynesville suburb of the capital. A luncheon will be held following the inauguration at the same venue, and is expected to last from 13:30-14:30. The Inaugural Ball will take place at the Executive Pavilion (Ashmun Street, Monrovia) at 19:00 on Monday.
Heightened security measures are expected around the inauguration ceremony on Monday morning. Guests attending the inauguration ceremony are prohibited from driving or parking cars within the Samuel Kanyon Doe Sports Complex. Moreover, all persons are required to enter the complex through the main entrance. Additional inaugural events and celebrations are expected to begin on Friday, January 19; a full list of related events is available here from the Liberian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Large crowds and a consequent heightened security presence, road closures, and traffic disruptions are expected around such events in advance of the presidential inauguration on Monday. Conditions at Monrovia-Roberts International Airport (ROB) are expected to be busy in the days around the inauguration.
Context
On December 29, Liberia's National Elections Commission (NEC) officially declared Weah the new president of Liberia, defeating Vice President Joseph Boakai (ruling Unity Party) with 61.5 percent of the December 26 runoff vote. Weah will replace current President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who has served two complete terms.
Advice
Individuals present in Liberia are advised to monitor local news for related developments, avoid any large crowds due to the risk of associated violence, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities. Those intending to travel to or within Monrovia should anticipate disruptions to travel.
