Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf addressed a press conference at the Foundation earlier today
July 9, 2008 – Africa’s first elected female head of state described Nelson Mandela as “Africa’s greatest hero” today.
Speaking at a press conference at the Nelson Mandela Foundation in Johannesburg, Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf said that she had been inspired by Mr Mandela’s ability to lead and motivate others. She was moved by his capacity for displaying compassion in the true spirit of truth and reconciliation. “I even admire the fact that he still exercises,” she said.
President Johnson-Sirleaf is in Johannesburg to take part in Mr Mandela’s 90th birthday celebrations and will be the keynote speaker at Saturday’s Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture. Over 70 members of the media attended this afternoon’s press conference, with many questions centring on her attitude to Zimbabwe.
On this topic Johnson-Sirleaf stressed that “Africa is changing,” and that “no longer can any leader think the impunity of prior years can exist”. Any leader who infringes on the rights of people will be made accountable, she said.
She said that Liberia’s position on Zimbabwe was made quite clear at last week’s African Union summit in Egypt, where she had questioned the legitimacy of the current government. Johnson-Sirleaf backed sanctions against Zimbabwe’s current leadership and believed they would send a strong message of disapproval.
When asked about the improvements in the economy and living standards in Liberia since she came to power, the president said that the country was doing well but still faced challenges. The Liberian economy grew by 95% in 2007. The infrastructure was being rebuilt, electricity and running water had been introduced for many citizens and corruption was being tackled in the courts. They had also begun to tackle the issue of foreign debt in the country.However there was still unemployment among young people and after 14 years of civil war “we still have violence in our society”, said Johnson-Sirleaf. Her priority was to keep the peace and see Liberia move from “aid to much more trade” and become a self-sufficient state.
President Johnson-Sirleaf said she would be making a case for the African Renaissance in her speech on Saturday. She was confident about the growing role of women in African leadership. “In future I believe my loneliness will cease,” she said.