Africa's First Female President

Well, even though Mr. Weah is claiming election fraud, it looks like Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf is going to be the first president of Liberia since the war. She has said that she wants to bring "motherly sensitivity and emotion to the presidency." I like this idea, especially in West Africa, where pompous male leaders have lead to the deaths of thousands over the last 15 years. Sensitivity, whether from a male or female, will hopefully work to heal the wounds suffered throughout the region.

Some of Weah's supporters are protesting the election, even though Ecowas has stated that the elections were free and fair. I am worried that this could prevent Liberia's healing. In a nation where people are used to picking up guns for reasons such as this, it is going to be difficult to keep this peaceful. In fact, protesters have already come into conflict with the police - and tear gas was used to disperse the crowd. Hopefully this is all we will hear about. I pray that this is all we will hear about.

If Liberia can do this, it gives me hope for the rest of the world.