Liberia: Muslims say prayers for president-elect

By Evelyn Kpadeh Seagbeh

MONROVIA, Liberia (AA) - Muslims in Liberia have offered a prayer for the country’s president-elect George Weah ahead of Monday’s inauguration, in which he will be worn in as the 24th president.

Former football star George Weah and his vice president-elect Jewel Howard Taylor Friday joined worshippers at the Benson Street Central Mosque in the capital Monrovia along with the outgoing president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf where prayers were offered for them.

“We thank Allah for allowing us enjoy peace for the past 12 years under your administration Madam President [Sirleaf] and we are about to see a peaceful transfer of power to another government,” Sheikh Swaliho Dukuly said.

Weah in response thanked the Liberian people for electing him president and said developing the country was his top priority and called for a collective effort from all religious groups in the country.

“Developing Liberia is not about one group of religion, Muslim or Christians; it’s about all Liberians helping to move our country forward,” Weah said.

According to the country's 2008 national census, Christians make up around 85 percent of the country's population of some 4 million, while Muslims comprise 12 percent.

This is the country’s first democratic transition in more than 70 years.