Joseph Boakai: Liberia's newly elected leader faces formidable task

Joseph Boakai, known as "Sleepy Joe" by his critics, will be inaugurated as Liberia's oldest president at the age of 79. Boakai narrowly won the November run-off election with the support of a former rebel commander. His presidency marks a generational shift from George Weah, the nation's youngest elected leader. Weah rose to the presidency at age 51, defeating Boakai in elections six years ago but losing to him this time by a small margin. Boakai's victory was not surprising to many who were dissatisfied with Weah's administration, which was criticized for corruption and opulence. Voters questioned how officials could lead lavish lifestyles while ordinary Liberians struggled to afford food and education. Boakai had been mocked for appearing to fall asleep at public meetings, but his aides deny the accusations, attributing his small eyes and drooping eyelids to this impression. Concerns about his health still remain, as he will be 85 when his term ends. Boakai served as vice-president in Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's government until 2018. The scandals of Weah's administration worked in Boakai's favor, as voters perceived him as trustworthy. Jeremiah Koung, a former street hawker turned businessman and lawmaker, will be sworn in as vice-president at the age of 45. The selection of Koung helped soften the debate around Boakai's age and gained support for the Unity Party alliance. However, Koung is described as young and energetic, and he may have presidential ambitions and demand an influential role in government. Koung is from the Movement for Reconstruction and Democracy party, led by Prince Johnson, a pastor and lawmaker who was once a rebel commander. Johnson is regarded as a kingmaker in Liberian politics and had endorsed Weah in the 2017 election but backed Boakai this time. Boakai is unlikely to establish a war crimes court as demanded by some civil society groups, as he formed an alliance with Johnson's party. Boakai's administration faces the challenge of tackling the country's economic crisis. Liberia heavily relies on imports and suffers from shortages and price increases. Another major issue is drug cartels, which affect the lives of many young, unemployed Liberians. Boakai must crack down on drug trafficking and address the socio-economic problems faced by the country's youth.