Monrovia, Liberia – Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, Africa’s first female president and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, has been re-elected as the President of Liberia in a historic election held in November 2011. Her victory marks a pivotal moment for the West African nation, as she begins her second term in office after successfully guiding Liberia through a period of post-conflict recovery and significant national rebuilding.
The National Elections Commission announced that Sirleaf won approximately 61% of the vote in the run-off election held on November 8, 2011, defeating her main challenger, Winston Tubman, in a closely watched race. Her re-election is seen as a reflection of the trust and confidence that the Liberian people have placed in her leadership and vision for the country’s future. Both domestic and international observers, including the African Union, ECOWAS, and the United Nations, praised the election as largely free, fair, and transparent despite some logistical challenges.
Sirleaf first took office in January 2006, following a brutal 14-year civil war that left over 250,000 people dead and the nation’s infrastructure devastated. In her first term, she was widely credited with restoring peace, rebuilding key institutions, and improving Liberia’s international standing. Under her leadership, Liberia secured significant foreign investment, achieved debt relief from international financial institutions, and made strides in education, healthcare, and economic development.
Addressing a jubilant crowd of supporters in Monrovia after her victory, Sirleaf expressed her gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to the Liberian people. “I am deeply honored by the trust and confidence the people of Liberia have placed in me once again,” Sirleaf said. “We have made great strides over the past years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure lasting peace, economic growth, and the empowerment of all Liberians, especially women and young people.”
Despite the progress of her first term, Sirleaf faces significant challenges as she enters her second term. Liberia remains one of the poorest countries in the world, with high unemployment, underdeveloped infrastructure, and widespread poverty. The slow pace of progress, particularly in job creation and economic diversification, has been a source of frustration for many Liberians, particularly the youth.
Another pressing issue is the long-term recovery from the Ebola epidemic that ravaged Liberia between 2014 and 2016, claiming over 4,800 lives and severely straining the country’s healthcare system. Sirleaf has pledged to prioritize public health reforms, job creation, anti-corruption efforts, and infrastructure development during her second term to address these critical issues.
International Recognition and Support
Sirleaf’s re-election has been hailed by the international community as a positive step for Liberia’s democratic progress. Leaders from the United States, the African Union, and other global institutions congratulated Sirleaf on her victory, recognizing her as a symbol of resilience and effective leadership in Africa.
Her 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, shared with fellow Liberian Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni activist Tawakkul Karman, solidified her global reputation as a champion of women’s rights and peacebuilding. The Nobel committee honored Sirleaf for her efforts to promote peace, economic and social development, and women’s empowerment in Liberia—a mission she has pledged to continue in her second term.
A Role Model for Women
As the first elected female head of state in Africa, Sirleaf’s presidency has had a profound impact on women’s leadership across the continent. Throughout her first term, she worked to increase women’s participation in government and civil society, encouraging women to take on more active roles in politics, business, and development.
Sirleaf’s success has inspired a new generation of female leaders in Africa, many of whom look to her example as they fight for gender equality and greater representation in their own countries. Her presidency remains a milestone for women’s empowerment on the continent, further elevated by her Nobel Peace Prize win.
As Ellen Johnson Sirleaf begins her second term in office, Liberia stands at a crossroads. Her leadership has been instrumental in the country’s recovery from the devastating civil war, but the challenges that lie ahead are formidable. High unemployment, poverty, and the lingering effects of the Ebola epidemic present significant obstacles to Liberia’s continued progress.
In her victory speech, Sirleaf emphasized the importance of unity and collective action in shaping the nation’s future. “This is not just about me. It is about us—the people of Liberia. Together, we can build a brighter, more prosperous future for our children, our families, and our nation. Let us move forward in peace, and let us move forward with purpose.”
With the continued support of the Liberian people and the international community, Sirleaf’s second term has the potential to further solidify her legacy as one of Africa’s most transformative leaders. How she navigates these challenges will determine the next chapter in Liberia’s history.