The Reconstruction of Post-War Liberia: Achievements and Challenges of the Presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

MONROVIA-The EJS Center is pleased has released a book: ‘The Reconstruction of Post-War Liberia: Achievements and Challenges of the Presidency of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.’ This book, a product of the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Legacy Project, is the second in a two-volume series. The series documents milestones and setbacks during former President Sirleaf’s tenure as the first democratically elected female president of the Republic of Liberia following fourteen devastating years of civil war.

Volume I consisted of selected speeches from her presidency and was launched in January 2018, shortly before the mantle of leadership was passed on to then incoming President H.E. George Manneh Weah. The project was funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB), in partnership with the Angie Brooks International Center for Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security (ABIC), the Governance Commission (GC), and the EJS Center.

Volume II was launched in November 2021 during an event that featured observations from Madam Sirleaf, former Vice President of Liberia H.E. Joseph N. Boakai, and other distinguished guests, including current members of Government and funder organizations. The event also included a presentation of the book, insights into the President’s Legacy Project, and an interactive session with the audience.

Edited by Anthony Barclay and Miata Beysolow, Volume II takes the reader on a journey of discovery of the reconciliation, governance, and economic reconstruction endeavors undertaken by Madam Sirleaf’s administration during Liberia’s post-war recovery.

The book is organized into four sections covering the following themes: Peace, Democracy, Security, and Stability; Economic Recovery, Growth, and Development; Women Empowerment and Leadership in Conflict Resolution/Management, Youth Development, and Social Protection; and a concluding section that narrates Madam Sirleaf’s personal thoughts on her 12-year presidency. Copies of the book are available for sale.

EJS Center Executive Director Dr. Ophelia I. Weeks said:

“We were delighted to host the release of this fascinating volume on Madam Sirleaf’s administration during Liberia’s reconstruction. We are incredibly grateful to the funding partners and all those who made this important project possible.” 

Chair of the Board of Angie Brooks International Center and former Minister of Foreign Affairs Honorable Olubanke King Akerele said:

“I am proud that Liberia once more can claim another first. Following the model of former UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon, we have been able to blaze a trail for other African leaders in documenting their legacy for future generations by sharing their challenges and achievements for post-conflict reconstruction.” 

Dr. K. Y. Amoako, Founder and President of the African Center for Economic Transformation and former Executive Secretary, Economic Commission for Africasaid:

“This book provides real-life examples of leadership qualities that are needed to ensure Africa’s political and economic transformation. I have often spoken of effective leadership as the ability to set an attainable vision to inspire others and to govern selflessly. This book highlights example after example of where [Madam Sirleaf] did just these things.” 

He added that Madam Sirleaf serves as a role model for the world through “her vision for the empowerment of women, her ability to inspire her fellow citizens to overcome death and destruction, [and her] willingness to take risks for the greater good.”