New Liberian leader officially sworn in
Businessman Gyude Bryant was sworn in on Tuesday as Liberia’s new interim leader.
Mr Bryant will lead the transitional government until planned general elections take place in 2005.
Much bloodletting took place between rebel soldiers and government troops before former President Charles Taylor’s final abdication of power and flight into exile in Nigeria two months ago.
The dictator resigned after 14 years of terror on August 11, following a concerted drive to oust him from power led by the United States, the UN, European nations and by fellow African leaders.
Mr Bryant said yesterday: “Never again will we Liberians use war as a way of addressing our concerns.”
West African President, Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, said: “Liberia needs to be pulled up by all of us.
“If there’s no peace in Liberia, there’s no peace in West Africa.”
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, in a statement said: “Today marks a turning point for Liberia. Following a decade and a half of civil war and failed attempts to make peace, this is a day full of hope, but also fraught with challenges.”
Wesley Johnson, vice president, was also sworn in yesterday.
