Fmr. President Sirleaf Leads Liberia’s Delegation To Namibia’s Inauguration

The former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has departed the country at the head of a high-power delegation to represent President Joseph Boakai and the Republic of Liberia at the historic inauguration of Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah as Namibia’s first female president. The swearing-in ceremony is set for March 21, 2025, coinciding with Namibia’s 35th Independence Day celebrations.
According to a statement released by Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, former President Sirleaf is also seizing the occasion to serve as President Boakai’s special envoy, actively lobbying for Liberia’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The crucial election for the seat is scheduled to take place in June 2025 in New York City.
Accompanying Madam Sirleaf, on this diplomatic mission are Liberia’s Ambassador-at-Large, Charles Snetter, and Madam Joyce Mendscole, among others.
Their participation underscores Liberia’s commitment to strengthening diplomatic ties with Namibia and the broader African community.
President-elect Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, a veteran politician and the incumbent Vice President of Namibia, made history as the second woman to be elected head of state in Africa. Her victory in the November 2024 elections, where she secured 57.31% of the vote against 14 rivals, ensured that she crossed the 50% threshold required to avoid a runoff.
Her win extended the rule of the South West Africa People’s Organization (SWAPO), which has governed Namibia since the country gained independence from South African rule in 1990.
However, SWAPO’s dominance has faced growing challenges, with the party securing only 51 seats in the National Assembly elections, its weakest performance since independence, barely maintaining a majority.
Nandi-Ndaitwah, 72, succeeds Nangolo Mbumba, who has served as interim president since the passing of former President Hage Geingob in February 2024.
Madam Sirleaf’s presence at the inauguration underscores Liberia’s strategic engagement on the global stage.
As the first elected female head of state in Africa herself, Sirleaf’s attendance at Nandi-Ndaitwah’s swearing-in is also symbolic; marking a moment of progress for women’s leadership on the continent.
Liberia’s push for a non-permanent seat on the UNSC aligns with its broader diplomatic efforts to amplify its voice on global security and governance issues; if successful in June, Liberia would gain an influential platform to advocate for African and developing nations on the world stage.
The inauguration in Windhoek, Namibia, is expected to draw several heads of state, government officials, and international dignitaries, further cementing Liberia-Namibia ties and African solidarity.