'The inauguration of President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf for another six year term is yet another opportunity for us as Liberians to move forward,' says Watson Johnson, a businessman in Monrovia.

by Kullie Cornelius, Monrovia

The optimism expressed by Watson came as President Johnson-Sirleaf was being sworn-in for the second time as Africa’s first female president.

Watson, 29 years old, is a trader of imported Asian fashion wares, mainly designed for women. According to him, his business has been booming in the last few years because of the stability of the country.

“Business is going well. We make profit that keeps us increasing the stock of our goods. We are generally thankful for the improved security situation in Liberia”, Watson says. He is a first time voter and believes the future is bright for business activities in Liberia.

Big steps
Phedra Amoaka, a university student, is positive as well. She who voted for Johnson-Sirleaf in 2005, stated that the education standard in Liberia has enhanced over the last six years.

“Educationally, we are making great strides. Universities have qualified and professional instructors who are impacting knowledge into our younger generation. High schools are also making progress in terms of teaching our youth for further education”.

Discussing the level of stability in Liberia, Phedra says she is pleased that Liberia has changed after a decade of brutal civil war. “Freedom of speech, free expression and freedom of the press, and basic liberties are being upheld. This is largely due to the growth and expansion of our democracy. Our democracy is looking good, isn’t it? We are now a stable democracy”.

Nobel Prize
Johnson-Sirleaf, Africa's first elected female leader, won the Nobel Peace Prize - along with fellow Liberian peace advocate Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni pro-democracy activist Tawakkul Karman - in October, just days before Liberia went to the polls in the first round of a presidential vote.

The guest list for the inauguration included United States Secretary of State Hilary Clinton, Senegal's octogenarian leader Abdoulaye Wade and delegations from South Africa, Nigeria and Niger.

Street parties have been ongoing in Monrovia, as well as a peace concert featuring Liberian singers such as Julie Endee.

Nathan Tamba, a shopper browsing a stall selling second-hand children's toys, said she was looking forward to a government of national unity.

Celebrations
'The president did a good job ... she deserves a big celebration, but we don’t forget that opposition politicians need to be included into the government to ensure a united Liberia' he said.

Businessman Patrick Jallah said he hopes international leaders will be impressed by the development made in the capital since Johnson-Sirleaf's first inauguration, in 2006.

'I think the world is aware about Liberia by now. But I'm praying for the good thought of Liberia to continue,' he said. 'I hope we will not experience any war again because we are tired running into exile.'