Misanet / Mmegi, 16 November - The Liberian presidential run-off poll has come to a close with veteran economist-cum-politician, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf poised to wallop her rival, former international footballer George Weah. This makes Johnson-Sirleaf Africa’s first elected female head of state. The Liberians, who had to endure 14 years of a bloody civil war, must be commended for pointing the way to the often gender-insensitive Africa.

The poll had been described as broadly free and fair. And we have no reason to doubt this assessment. Given the violence that has rocked Africa’s oldest republic, it is indeed a miracle that the election process has been peaceful.

However, we are concerned about Weah’s charges of fraud and calls for a re-run. We would like to join other countless observers who are calling for an understanding from the ex-soccer star that like in football, there are winners and losers in the game of politics. There have been calls for calm from the United Nations Security Council, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union and a host of others to Weah to accept the outcome.

It is critical that Weah keeps his peace and accepts the results. He is being supported by about 100,000 ex-combatants who can easily launch another civil war in Liberia. The past civil war left more than 250,000 people dead and caused total economic, social and political collapse that the country is still recovering from. The Liberian civil war spilled over to neighbouring countries like Sierra Leone, Guinea and Ivory Coast, with devastating effect to the sub-region.

We therefore urge Weah and his team to use constitutional and legal means to address any grievances. Any other option would be costly both in human and material terms. Already, the Liberian peacekeeping operation is one of the most expensive undertakings by the United Nations.

It is encouraging that Johnson-Sirleaf has already offered her opponents, including Weah, an olive branch. She has promised to bring her former opponents into a government of national unity as a way of healing the wounds of war. We encourage Weah and fellow Liberians to take up this offer.

The Liberians have what appears an insurmountable task ahead of them. They need to rehabilitate their infrastructure, schools, clinics, restore electricity mains and water reticulation. Liberia is a relatively rich country endowed with natural resources, including diamonds. It still boasts the world’s largest rubber plantation. Given these vast resources, Liberia’s small population of slightly over three million can be easily afforded a decent livelihood.

By Mmegi (Botswana) editor

© Mmegi (Botswana) / afrol News

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