Liberia’s President Boakai’s Inauguration Interrupted by ‘Heat Stroke’

Liberia’s much-anticipated inauguration ceremony for President-elect Joseph Boakai took an unexpected turn on Monday when the 79-year-old leader suffered a “heat stroke” while delivering his acceptance speech.

Boakai, who secured victory over incumbent President George Weah in a runoff election, had just taken the oath of office when he suddenly faltered during his address. Security details promptly assisted him off the podium.

As the nation watched in suspense, it remains unclear whether the inauguration ceremony will proceed or be rescheduled.

Boakai was officially declared Liberia’s president on November 20, 2023, securing 50.64 percent of the votes. Notably, Weah had conceded defeat even before Boakai’s formal declaration by the national electoral commission, earning praise from leaders such as President Bola Tinubu and former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan.

The inauguration ceremony, held at Capitol Hill in Monrovia, attracted foreign dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima, Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo, and Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank (AfDB). Diplomatic delegations from countries like the United States were also present.