Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai was in the White House on Wednesday (July 9) to meet US President Donald Trump. As both leaders were sharing pleasantries, Trump was surprised by Boakai’s fluency in English, which is listed as Liberia’s official language. He was quick to inquire where he learned the language from, trying to trace where he gets his eloquent speech.&nbsp;"Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again," said President Boakai before advocating for America’s investment in Liberia.&nbsp;<h2>Watch the video here:</h2>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Awkward? Trump asks Liberian leader where he learned English - turns out, it’s Liberia’s official language . . . .<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WIONUncut?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WIONUncut</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Liberia?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Liberia</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Trump?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Trump</a> <a href="https://t.co/rVrX4AKzOu">pic.twitter.com/rVrX4AKzOu</a>&mdash; WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1943259875351630043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

He added, "We just want to thank you so much for this opportunity."&nbsp;Just as the Liberian president paused, Trump’s expression was a giveaway that he didn’t expect such fluent speech. And instantaneously, he said, “Such good English.” He further inquired, "Where did you learn to speak so beautifully?"&nbsp;&nbsp;“In Liberia?" Trump asked. "Yes sir," Boakai said.&nbsp;"That's very interesting. I have people at this table who can't speak nearly as well,” he continued.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-official-suggests-assassinating-trump-while-sunbathing-in-mar-a-lago-theres-a-problem-he-doesn-t-trump-laughs-at-iranian-threat-news-1752133521653">Iran official suggests assassinating Trump while sunbathing in Mar-a-Lago. Theres' a problem: He doesn't...</a>&nbsp;While people are amused by the fact, Trump did not research enough about Liberia before meeting leader from the African nation. English is their official language and with that the country speaks over 20 indigenous languages. Founded in 1822, Liberia was formed by American Colonisation Society (ACS) as a colony for free Black Americans.&nbsp;&nbsp;According to the US Office of Historian,&nbsp;in 1816, a group of white Americans founded the ACS to deal with the “problem” of the growing number of free blacks in the United States by resettling them in&nbsp;Africa. The resulting state of Liberia would become the second (after Haiti) black republic in the world at that time.

Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai was in the White House on Wednesday (July 9) to meet US President Donald Trump. As both leaders were sharing pleasantries, Trump was surprised by Boakai’s fluency in English, which is listed as Liberia’s official language.

Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai was in the White House on Wednesday (July 9) to meet US President Donald Trump. As both leaders were sharing pleasantries, Trump was surprised by Boakai’s fluency in English, which is listed as Liberia’s official language. He was quick to inquire where he learned the language from, trying to trace where he gets his eloquent speech. "Liberia is a longtime friend of the United States, and we believe in your policy of making America great again," said President Boakai before advocating for America’s investment in Liberia. Watch the video here:

Liberia’s President Joseph Boakai was in the White House on Wednesday (July 9) to meet US President Donald Trump. As both leaders were sharing pleasantries, Trump was surprised by Boakai’s fluency in English, which is listed as Liberia’s official language.

Where did you learn English? Trump marvelled at Liberia President Boakai's fluency in his country's official language

Liberia's new president Joseph Boakai on Monday (Jan 22) froze on the podium as he was delivering his inauguration speech. In the visuals from the outdoor inauguration ceremony,&nbsp;Boakai could be seen facing a challenge to continue his speech and paused in between.&nbsp;The 79-year-old president paused twice due to the sweltering heat. Ultimately the ceremony had to be cut short.

Later, in a statement, his office said that the president experienced heat exhaustion during his inauguration speech in the capital, Monrovia. His aides assisted him in leaving the podium.

The president's office released a statement on Monday (Jan 22) reassuring that Boakai had suffered from heat exhaustion and had since been declared "perfectly fine" by doctors.

He has swiftly "resumed" his regular work, according to the statement.

"We see hard times, we see dysfunctioning... we see corruption in high and low places. And (it's) in these and similar conditions that we have come to the rescue," Boakai said following the heat exhaustion.

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🇱🇷‼️🚨 80-year-old Liberian President Joseph Boakai fainted and felt ill right during his inauguration: 
 
“The inauguration ceremony of President Joseph Boakai was temporarily stopped because the head of Liberia suffered a heatstroke during his speech. 
 
After the incident, the… <a href="https://t.co/FVdpfPJFq3">pic.twitter.com/FVdpfPJFq3</a>
— Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MyLordBebo/status/1749526106561019987?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Boakai, a seasoned politician who narrowly defeated former football star George Weah in a runoff election in November, faced criticism&nbsp;about his age and energy during the election campaign.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-conduct-fresh-series-of-air-strikes-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-682642">US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen</a>

Boakai previously served as vice president from 2006 to 2018 and held the position of minister of agriculture.

<h2>Boakai's age concerns&nbsp;</h2>

Prior to the election, Boakai dismissed concerns about his health, asserting that "age should be a blessing to this country".

He portrayed himself as "a man who is old, wise, sound",&nbsp;and "committed to the cause of the country".

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He has also served as vice-president in Nobel Peace Prize-winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's government until 2018. Boakai contested the presidency under the United Party (UP).

Despite being mocked by critics as "Sleepy Joe," the 79-year-old Joseph Boakai has been inaugurated as Liberia's oldest-ever president.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-vessel-heads-towards-maldives-concerns-india-682646">Chinese vessel heads towards Maldives, concerns India</a>

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He secured a victory with the help of a former rebel commander. Liberia continues to struggle with high levels of poverty and unemployment.&nbsp;Corruption also remains a challenge in Liberia, impacting various sectors.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Liberia's new president Joseph Boakai on Monday (Jan 22) froze on the podium as he was delivering his inauguration speech. In the visuals from the outdoor inauguration ceremony, Boakai could be seen facing a challenge to continue his speech and paused in between.

Liberia's new president Joseph Boakai on Monday (Jan 22) froze on the podium as he was delivering his inauguration speech. In the visuals from the outdoor inauguration ceremony, Boakai could be seen facing a challenge to continue his speech and paused in between. The 79-year-old president paused twice due to the sweltering heat. Ultimately the ceremony had to be cut short. Later, in a statement, his office said that the president experienced heat exhaustion during his inauguration speech in the capital, Monrovia. His aides assisted him in leaving the podium. The president's office released a statement on Monday (Jan 22) reassuring that Boakai had suffered from heat exhaustion and had since been declared "perfectly fine" by doctors. He has swiftly "resumed" his regular work, according to the statement. "We see hard times, we see dysfunctioning... we see corruption in high and low places. And (it's) in these and similar conditions that we have come to the rescue," Boakai said following the heat exhaustion. 🇱🇷‼️🚨 80-year-old Liberian President Joseph Boakai fainted and felt ill right during his inauguration: “The inauguration ceremony of President Joseph Boakai was temporarily stopped because the head of Liberia suffered a heatstroke during his speech. After the incident, the… pic.twitter.com/FVdpfPJFq3 — Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) January 22, 2024 × Boakai, a seasoned politician who narrowly defeated former football star George Weah in a runoff election in November, faced criticism about his age and energy during the election campaign. Also Read | US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen Boakai previously served as vice president from 2006 to 2018 and held the position of minister of agriculture. Boakai's age concerns Prior to the election, Boakai dismissed concerns about his health, asserting that "age should be a blessing to this country". He portrayed himself as "a man who is old, wise, sound", and "committed to the cause of the country". Also Read | Eight shot dead in Chicago suburbs, authorities say suspect 'armed and dangerous' He has also served as vice-president in Nobel Peace Prize-winner Ellen Johnson Sirleaf's government until 2018. Boakai contested the presidency under the United Party (UP). Despite being mocked by critics as "Sleepy Joe," the 79-year-old Joseph Boakai has been inaugurated as Liberia's oldest-ever president. Watch | Chinese vessel heads towards Maldives, concerns India × He secured a victory with the help of a former rebel commander. Liberia continues to struggle with high levels of poverty and unemployment. Corruption also remains a challenge in Liberia, impacting various sectors. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Liberia's President Joseph Boakai freezes at inauguration speech

At least 40 people were killed following the explosion of a gas tanker in north-central Liberia, the West African country's chief medical officer, Francis Kateh, said on Wednesday.

At least 40 killed in Liberian fuel tanker blast: Official

Liberia: Fuel tanker truck explodes after crashing, over 40 feared dead

Liberia tanker explosion: Over 40 feared dead | Death toll expected to rise: Officials | WION

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally.

Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission, during a press briefing, said that Boakai won the elections with a margin of 20,567 votes.

Former international football star Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday (Nov 17) taking into consideration the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations, saying that it was "time to put national interest above personal interest".

"The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that... Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass," Weah said in a speech on national radio late on Friday.

He said his CDC party "has lost the election but Liberia has won," adding: "This is the time for graciousness in defeat".

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<h2>Biden congratulates Boakai&nbsp;</h2>

US President Joe Biden on Monday (Nov 20)&nbsp;congratulated&nbsp;Boakai&nbsp;for winning the presidential elections while also commending incumbent&nbsp;Weah for respecting the "will of people".

"I congratulate Joseph Boakai on his election to be the next president of Liberia," Biden said in a statement. "I also want to commend President Weah for respecting the will of the people, and putting patriotism above politics."

Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller congratulated Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his "peaceful acceptance of the results".

"We call on all citizens to follow President Weah's example and accept the results," Miller said in a statement.

Earlier, Weah said that he had spoken to Boakai "to congratulate him on his victory".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-200-italian-mobsters-convicted-in-mafia-maxi-trial-660889">Over 200 Italian mobsters convicted in mafia 'maxi trial'</a>

"The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country," Weah said in his speech.

"Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people."

Weah, who will continue to remain in power until the power is handed over in January, vowed to continue working "for the good of Liberia".

(With inputs from agencies)

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally.

Joseph Boakai was declared as the winner of Liberia's presidential polls with 50.64 per cent of the vote, unseating President George Weah who got 49.36 per cent, the country's electoral commission announced on Monday (Nov 20) after completing the ballot tally. Davidetta Browne Lansanah, president of the commission, during a press briefing, said that Boakai won the elections with a margin of 20,567 votes. Former international football star Weah had already conceded defeat on Friday (Nov 17) taking into consideration the results of more than 99.98 per cent of the polling stations, saying that it was "time to put national interest above personal interest". "The results announced tonight, though not final, indicate that... Boakai is in a lead that we cannot surpass," Weah said in a speech on national radio late on Friday. He said his CDC party "has lost the election but Liberia has won," adding: "This is the time for graciousness in defeat". Also read: Royal Navy’s submarine averts tragedy, 140 crew on board escape death: Report Biden congratulates Boakai US President Joe Biden on Monday (Nov 20) congratulated Boakai for winning the presidential elections while also commending incumbent Weah for respecting the "will of people". "I congratulate Joseph Boakai on his election to be the next president of Liberia," Biden said in a statement. "I also want to commend President Weah for respecting the will of the people, and putting patriotism above politics." Earlier, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller congratulated Boakai on his victory and President Weah for his "peaceful acceptance of the results". "We call on all citizens to follow President Weah's example and accept the results," Miller said in a statement. Earlier, Weah said that he had spoken to Boakai "to congratulate him on his victory". Also read: Over 200 Italian mobsters convicted in mafia 'maxi trial' "The Liberian people have spoken, and we have heard their voice. However, the closeness of the results reveals a deep division within our country," Weah said in his speech. "Let us heal the divisions caused by the campaign and come together as one nation and one united people." Weah, who will continue to remain in power until the power is handed over in January, vowed to continue working "for the good of Liberia". (With inputs from agencies)

Joseph Boakai declared winner of Liberia presidential election

Liberian president George Weah concedes defeat to opposition leader and his arch-rival Joseph Boakai in a closely fought electoral battle. The election result ends Weah's presidency marred by serious allegations of grafting in 2017.

Liberia elections: Joseph Boakai set to lead Liberia as President

Liberia elections 2023: George Weah's tenure marred by grafting charges

The West African nation of Liberia is voting in a presidential runoff election today the two leading candidates were separated by just over 7,000 votes

Liberians head to presidential run-off polls

On World Of Africa with Erik Njoka + Liberia goes to polls as Weah says he's still in the pitch + Tshisekedi faces a crowded list of DRC presidential hopefuls + Panic as bedbugs creep in North Africa + Kenyan makes petrol from plastic

World of Africa: Liberia goes to polls as Weah says he's still in the pitch

Former football star George Weah is running for a second six-year term as Liberia's president, but he appears to have scored an own goal by failing to engage with the topic that is dominating the air waves and mood on the streets - demands to set up an economic and war crimes court. He still has an in-tray of challenges if he is re-elected.

Liberia: High stakes elections | World of Africa

An oil tanker showing Liberia's flag as its identity-marker and carrying 16 crew members was reportedly taken over by pirates in West Africa's Gulf of Guinea, the Danish vessel owner said on Tuesday.

The attack took place southwest of Port Pointe-Noire, Congo, Associated Press reported.

The Monjasa Reformer "experienced an emergency situation" late Saturday, Monjasa, the Denmark-based company that owns the ship, said in an official statement.

The company spokesperson Thorstein Andreasen said that the crew sought refuge in a citadel, in line with the training apparatus to deal with piracy-related eventualities.&nbsp;

The nationalities of the crew members and the pirates were not immediately known.&nbsp;

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Communication channels with the ship are down and international authorities have been alerted, said the statement.

The exact location of the tanker is not known.

The Gulf of Guinea is widely attributed to be the world’s most dangerous spot for attacks on ships. In June, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution strongly condemning piracy, armed robbery and hostage-taking in the area. This hijacking took place further south in an area that is not typically attacked by pirates.

ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Indian coast guard ship apprehends Pak boat in Indian waters

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"This is worrying since it’s rare in this area compared to the Gulf of Guinea, for example, where multiple ship hijackings take place every year," Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan-based think tank, was quoted as saying by Associated Press.

"Hopefully we are not witnessing a new trend and (this) is just an isolated incident. This also could be explained by increased security measures in the Gulf of Guinea and pirates are looking into new areas of operations," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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An oil tanker showing Liberia's flag as its identity-marker and carrying 16 crew members was reportedly taken over by pirates in West Africa's Gulf of Guinea, the Danish vessel owner said on Tuesday.

An oil tanker showing Liberia's flag as its identity-marker and carrying 16 crew members was reportedly taken over by pirates in West Africa's Gulf of Guinea, the Danish vessel owner said on Tuesday. The attack took place southwest of Port Pointe-Noire, Congo, Associated Press reported. The Monjasa Reformer "experienced an emergency situation" late Saturday, Monjasa, the Denmark-based company that owns the ship, said in an official statement. The company spokesperson Thorstein Andreasen said that the crew sought refuge in a citadel, in line with the training apparatus to deal with piracy-related eventualities. The nationalities of the crew members and the pirates were not immediately known. ALSO READ | Pirates attack Indian merchant ship off African coast, 2 injured, 1 kidnapped Communication channels with the ship are down and international authorities have been alerted, said the statement. The exact location of the tanker is not known. The Gulf of Guinea is widely attributed to be the world’s most dangerous spot for attacks on ships. In June, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution strongly condemning piracy, armed robbery and hostage-taking in the area. This hijacking took place further south in an area that is not typically attacked by pirates. ALSO WATCH | Indian coast guard ship apprehends Pak boat in Indian waters × "This is worrying since it’s rare in this area compared to the Gulf of Guinea, for example, where multiple ship hijackings take place every year," Rida Lyammouri, senior fellow at the Policy Center for the New South, a Moroccan-based think tank, was quoted as saying by Associated Press. "Hopefully we are not witnessing a new trend and (this) is just an isolated incident. This also could be explained by increased security measures in the Gulf of Guinea and pirates are looking into new areas of operations," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Pirates take over Liberia-flagged oil tanker in Gulf of Guinea

Farmers in parts of Africa and Asia have long dreaded when an elephant wanders into their fields where they not only trample the crops but are also capable of consuming an entire year’s harvest overnight, reported the New York Times. These&nbsp;encounters also turn&nbsp;deadly as the elephants occasionally kill humans and when sometimes farmers fight back the tuskers&nbsp;are killed.

However, scientists have found a way to scare the elephants away, not by hitting or screaming at them but buzzing. Earlier this month, footage filmed during an audio trial by the Liberian-based elephant research and conservation group, ELRECO showed a huge male elephant entering&nbsp;from a remote Liberian forest to farmland. Subsequently, the munching elephant heard an angry buzzing sound and froze mid-chew after which he high-tailed out of there.&nbsp;

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This is where Buzz Box comes in, as the sound that led the elephant to take off was of a disturbed hive of bees and like other tuskers across the world, he has learned to avoid that insect sound. “We were absolutely thrilled when we saw the footage. The chance to get this kind of scene is probably one in a million,” said Dr Tina Vogt, technical director of ELRECO, in a statement.&nbsp;

The German non-profit group is currently in the midst of testing the devices in Liberia. The project is also in collaboration with an organisation called, Save the Elephant, which is helping them deploy the BuzzBox. The deadly encounters between humans and elephants “feeds into the issue of local people being recruited into poaching gangs,” said Francesca Mahoney, founder and director of Wild Survivors, a United Kingdom-based non-profit which developed the BuzzBox, as per the New York Times.&nbsp;

Dr Lucy King, head of the human-elephant coexistence program at Save the Elephants, has been studying elephants’ fear of bees for nearly two decades. She has previously created specialised wire fences with beehives hanging like pendulums. Therefore, when elephants move the fence causes a disturbance in the hives and the bees swarm. The 2017 study led by Dr King also shows an 80 per cent success rate in repelling elephants from farms.&nbsp;

“Finding a natural threat to scare elephants in the most holistic way possible, without terrifying them or making them go into pain, is really useful for management”, said Dr King. First developed nearly six years ago by Wild Survivors’ chairperson, Martyn Griffiths, the current model costs around $100 and is simple enough for local school children to build, reported the New York Times.&nbsp; 
 
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Farmers in parts of Africa and Asia have long dreaded when an elephant wanders into their fields where they not only trample the crops but are also capable of consuming an entire year’s harvest overnight, reported the New York Times.

Farmers in parts of Africa and Asia have long dreaded when an elephant wanders into their fields where they not only trample the crops but are also capable of consuming an entire year’s harvest overnight, reported the New York Times. These encounters also turn deadly as the elephants occasionally kill humans and when sometimes farmers fight back the tuskers are killed. However, scientists have found a way to scare the elephants away, not by hitting or screaming at them but buzzing. Earlier this month, footage filmed during an audio trial by the Liberian-based elephant research and conservation group, ELRECO showed a huge male elephant entering from a remote Liberian forest to farmland. Subsequently, the munching elephant heard an angry buzzing sound and froze mid-chew after which he high-tailed out of there. × This is where Buzz Box comes in, as the sound that led the elephant to take off was of a disturbed hive of bees and like other tuskers across the world, he has learned to avoid that insect sound. “We were absolutely thrilled when we saw the footage. The chance to get this kind of scene is probably one in a million,” said Dr Tina Vogt, technical director of ELRECO, in a statement. The German non-profit group is currently in the midst of testing the devices in Liberia. The project is also in collaboration with an organisation called, Save the Elephant, which is helping them deploy the BuzzBox. The deadly encounters between humans and elephants “feeds into the issue of local people being recruited into poaching gangs,” said Francesca Mahoney, founder and director of Wild Survivors, a United Kingdom-based non-profit which developed the BuzzBox, as per the New York Times. Dr Lucy King, head of the human-elephant coexistence program at Save the Elephants, has been studying elephants’ fear of bees for nearly two decades. She has previously created specialised wire fences with beehives hanging like pendulums. Therefore, when elephants move the fence causes a disturbance in the hives and the bees swarm. The 2017 study led by Dr King also shows an 80 per cent success rate in repelling elephants from farms. “Finding a natural threat to scare elephants in the most holistic way possible, without terrifying them or making them go into pain, is really useful for management”, said Dr King. First developed nearly six years ago by Wild Survivors’ chairperson, Martyn Griffiths, the current model costs around $100 and is simple enough for local school children to build, reported the New York Times. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

WATCH | ‘One-in-a-million’ footage: Scientists find an elephant repellent to keep them away from crops

Ahead of 2023 General and Presidential elections in Liberia, opposition parties in West Africa support citizens and stage protests against Liberian Presidents absence from the country.

Liberia: President extends tour while citizens face economic hardships

Liberia’s President, George Weah, has been out of the country for a month and is expected to continue his travels for the next two weeks. He is in Qatar to encourage his son who does not even play for the Liberian team at the world cup. Monrovians are angry at their leader, they say he has neglected his duties as president and left its people vulnerable.

World of Africa: Liberian President faces heat over his foreign trips

Towards the south of Liberia's capital in Monrovia, 65 chimpanzees are spread across six uninhabited river islands. These chimps have been a part of a group of about 400 tech subjects in a US funded research project and have suffered decades of invasive experiments. Now these former lab chimps enjoy a much more peaceful life

Liberian Lab chimps finally get new lease of life after a life of 'trauma'

At least 29 people have been killed including 11 children and a pregnant woman after a stampede broke out at a prayer in Liberia's capital Monrovia, 15 people have also been hospitalized including seven children.

Liberia: Church gathering ends in stampede killing at least 29 including 11 children in Monrovia

A stampede at a church gathering in Liberia's capital Monrovia killed 29 people overnight, the deputy information minister told state radio on Thursday.

The incident occurred during an all-night Christian worship event at New Kru Town, a neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital, Jalawah Tonpo said.

"The doctors said 29 persons died and some are on the critical list," Tonpo said, calling into state radio from a nearby hospital. "This is a sad day for the country."

Exodus Morias, a resident who attended the event, told Reuters the stampede began after a group of armed men rushed the crowd in an attempt to stage a robbery.

"We saw a group of men with cutlasses and other weapons coming toward the crowd," Morias said. "While running, some people dropped and others fell on the ground and walked over them."

Bands of Liberian street gangs known as Zogos commonly commit robberies with machetes and other small weapons.

Police spokesman Moses Carter declined to comment on what caused the incident. He said an investigation is under way.

President George Weah, who is expected to visit the site on Thursday afternoon, declared a three-day period of national mourning and said the Liberian Red Cross and Disaster Management Agency had been called in to assist victims, his office said.

A stampede at a church gathering in Liberia's capital Monrovia killed 29 people overnight, the deputy information minister told state radio on Thursday. The incident occurred during an all-night Christian worship event at New Kru Town, a neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital, Jalawah Tonpo said.

A stampede at a church gathering in Liberia's capital Monrovia killed 29 people overnight, the deputy information minister told state radio on Thursday. The incident occurred during an all-night Christian worship event at New Kru Town, a neighbourhood on the outskirts of the capital, Jalawah Tonpo said. "The doctors said 29 persons died and some are on the critical list," Tonpo said, calling into state radio from a nearby hospital. "This is a sad day for the country." Exodus Morias, a resident who attended the event, told Reuters the stampede began after a group of armed men rushed the crowd in an attempt to stage a robbery. "We saw a group of men with cutlasses and other weapons coming toward the crowd," Morias said. "While running, some people dropped and others fell on the ground and walked over them." Bands of Liberian street gangs known as Zogos commonly commit robberies with machetes and other small weapons. Police spokesman Moses Carter declined to comment on what caused the incident. He said an investigation is under way. President George Weah, who is expected to visit the site on Thursday afternoon, declared a three-day period of national mourning and said the Liberian Red Cross and Disaster Management Agency had been called in to assist victims, his office said.

Stampede at Liberia church gathering kills 29

Between 15 and 17 people are missing after a vessel sank off the coast of&nbsp;Liberia, the West African state's government and coastguard said on Sunday.

Search and rescue operations are ongoing,&nbsp;Liberia's Maritime Authority Commissioner Eugene&nbsp;Lenn&nbsp;Nagbe told reporters in the capital Monrovia.

Coastguards have pulled 11 people from the water, he said.&nbsp;

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A coastguard official also told the press conference that 15 to 17 people were still believed to be missing.

Rescue operations began late Saturday afternoon after the authorities received a distress signal from a vessel named Niko Ivanka.&nbsp;

Nagbe, the maritime commissioner, said that the ship had left Monrovia on Saturday morning and was heading for the central port city of Buchanan when it began to take on water.

Early reports of the incident suggested that the vessel sank in the southeast of the country.

The manifest showed 18 people officially registered aboard the ship, including nine crew members and nine members of a regional education body.

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But Nagbe said that the vessel was not authorised to carry passengers and that it had earlier been placed "under detention orders" because it was unseaworthy.

"Our priority is the search and rescue," he said. "We will continue to exert every effort".&nbsp;

The maritime commissioner added that steel giant ArcelorMittal, which has offices in Buchanan, helped with the rescue operation.&nbsp;

Liberia&nbsp;is a poor country that is still recovering after back-to-back civil wars from 1989 to 2003 and the West African 2014-16 Ebola pandemic, which killed 4,800 people in the country.&nbsp;

Between 15 and 17 people are missing after a vessel sank off the coast of Liberia, the West African state's government and coastguard said on Sunday. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, Liberia's Maritime Authority Commissioner Eugene Lenn Nagbe told reporters in the capital Monrovia.

Between 15 and 17 people are missing after a vessel sank off the coast of Liberia, the West African state's government and coastguard said on Sunday. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, Liberia's Maritime Authority Commissioner Eugene Lenn Nagbe told reporters in the capital Monrovia. Coastguards have pulled 11 people from the water, he said. Also read | Liberian rebel sentenced in Switzerland for war crimes, cannibalism A coastguard official also told the press conference that 15 to 17 people were still believed to be missing. Rescue operations began late Saturday afternoon after the authorities received a distress signal from a vessel named Niko Ivanka. Nagbe, the maritime commissioner, said that the ship had left Monrovia on Saturday morning and was heading for the central port city of Buchanan when it began to take on water. Early reports of the incident suggested that the vessel sank in the southeast of the country. The manifest showed 18 people officially registered aboard the ship, including nine crew members and nine members of a regional education body. Also read | 'Brutal' third wave hits Africa as vaccination slows But Nagbe said that the vessel was not authorised to carry passengers and that it had earlier been placed "under detention orders" because it was unseaworthy. "Our priority is the search and rescue," he said. "We will continue to exert every effort". The maritime commissioner added that steel giant ArcelorMittal, which has offices in Buchanan, helped with the rescue operation. Liberia is a poor country that is still recovering after back-to-back civil wars from 1989 to 2003 and the West African 2014-16 Ebola pandemic, which killed 4,800 people in the country.

At least 15 people missing after ship sinks in Liberia

British police said on Sunday they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, and British media said a small number of stowaways had been found.

Two sources with knowledge of the situation said the vessel was the tanker Nave Andromeda.

Sky News said up to seven stowaways had been discovered on board, and broadcast live images of the ship. The BBC cited lawyers for the ship`s owners as saying it was "100% not a hijacking". Reuters has contacted the owners for comment.

Police did not immediately confirm details of the incident to Reuters. Britain`s interior ministry, which is responsible for border control, did not have any immediate comment.

The local police force said in a statement, "We are aware and dealing with an ongoing incident onboard a vessel which is situated south of the Isle of Wight".

The coastguard agency said search and rescue helicopters were attending the incident but did not give details. 
Refinitiv vessel tracking data showed the Liberia-flagged Nave Andromeda had been expected to arrive in the English port of Southampton at 1030 GMT on Sunday. The vessel had departed from Lagos, Nigeria, the data showed.

The Nave Andromeda`s registered owner is Folegandros Shipping Corp, and the vessel is managed by Greek shipping company Navios Tankers Management Inc., according to Refinitiv.

A spokesperson for the UK Chamber of Shipping said: “We are aware of an incident onboard the Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight and are in contact with the relevant authorities. We believe it is likely to be related to stowaways onboard but are awaiting more information.”

Lawmaker Bob Seely, who represents the Isle of Wight constituency closest to the vessel, told Sky News he expected the incident to be handled by marine counter-terrorism forces, but that it was too early to call it a hijacking.

In December 2018 British forces stormed an Italian cargo ship and regained control after stowaways threatened crew members as it sailed close to the coast of southeast England.

British police said on Sunday they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, and British media said a small number of stowaways had been found.

British police said on Sunday they were dealing with an incident aboard an oil tanker near the coast of the Isle of Wight, an island off the southern coast of England, and British media said a small number of stowaways had been found. Two sources with knowledge of the situation said the vessel was the tanker Nave Andromeda. Sky News said up to seven stowaways had been discovered on board, and broadcast live images of the ship. The BBC cited lawyers for the ship`s owners as saying it was "100% not a hijacking". Reuters has contacted the owners for comment. Police did not immediately confirm details of the incident to Reuters. Britain`s interior ministry, which is responsible for border control, did not have any immediate comment. The local police force said in a statement, "We are aware and dealing with an ongoing incident onboard a vessel which is situated south of the Isle of Wight". The coastguard agency said search and rescue helicopters were attending the incident but did not give details. Refinitiv vessel tracking data showed the Liberia-flagged Nave Andromeda had been expected to arrive in the English port of Southampton at 1030 GMT on Sunday. The vessel had departed from Lagos, Nigeria, the data showed. The Nave Andromeda`s registered owner is Folegandros Shipping Corp, and the vessel is managed by Greek shipping company Navios Tankers Management Inc., according to Refinitiv. A spokesperson for the UK Chamber of Shipping said: “We are aware of an incident onboard the Nave Andromeda off the Isle of Wight and are in contact with the relevant authorities. We believe it is likely to be related to stowaways onboard but are awaiting more information.” Lawmaker Bob Seely, who represents the Isle of Wight constituency closest to the vessel, told Sky News he expected the incident to be handled by marine counter-terrorism forces, but that it was too early to call it a hijacking. In December 2018 British forces stormed an Italian cargo ship and regained control after stowaways threatened crew members as it sailed close to the coast of southeast England.

UK police deal with incident aboard tanker off English coast

A fire at a Koranic school near the Liberian capital Monrovia has killed at least 26 children, and two teachers, the president's office said on Wednesday.

Emergency services told President George Weah that 28 people died overnight, his spokesman Solo Kelgbeh told AFP, as the president visited the site in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the capital.

The fire struck while the children were asleep, said Fulani community official Amadou Sherrif.

"My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City as a result of a deadly fire that engulfed their school building," Weah tweeted.

"This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia."

Relatives on Wednesday gathered outside the yellow and green entrance to the building, which housed a school and boarding school, whose sheet metal roof was burnt.

A fire at a Koranic school near the Liberian capital Monrovia has killed at least 26 children, and two teachers, the president's office said on Wednesday. Emergency services told President George Weah that 28 people died overnight, his spokesman Solo Kelgbeh told AFP, as the president visited the site in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the capital.

A fire at a Koranic school near the Liberian capital Monrovia has killed at least 26 children, and two teachers, the president's office said on Wednesday. Emergency services told President George Weah that 28 people died overnight, his spokesman Solo Kelgbeh told AFP, as the president visited the site in Paynesville, on the outskirts of the capital. The fire struck while the children were asleep, said Fulani community official Amadou Sherrif. "My prayers go out to the families of the children that died last night in Paynesville City as a result of a deadly fire that engulfed their school building," Weah tweeted. "This is a tough time for the families of the victims and all of Liberia." Relatives on Wednesday gathered outside the yellow and green entrance to the building, which housed a school and boarding school, whose sheet metal roof was burnt.

Liberia school fire kills at least 26 children: presidency

Former soccer star&nbsp;George&nbsp;Weah&nbsp;has won Liberia&#39;s presidential run-off election and will succeed incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf next month, the country&#39;s first democratic transition in over 70 years.

With 98.1 per cent of the vote counted,&nbsp;Weah&nbsp;led with 61.5 per cent to Vice President Joseph Boakai&#39;s 38.5 per cent, National Elections Commission Chairman Jerome Korkoyah told reporters in the capital Monrovia on Thursday.

At his party headquarters outside Monrovia, tears streamed down&nbsp;Weah&#39;s face as he greeted supporters from a balcony. Below, hundreds of young people sang and danced to a live performance of Hipco, Liberian hip hop music popular with the country&#39;s impoverished youth.

&quot;Success for&nbsp;George&nbsp;Weah&nbsp;is victory for the whole country,&quot; a 47-year-old engineer named Randall Zarkpah said as he walked home with his young son through streets ringing with honking car horns and loud cheers as dusk fell.

&quot;When you feel sick for some time and you receive proper medication - that is how I feel now. He will be good for our country. He is King&nbsp;George!&quot;

Weah&nbsp;grew up in Clara Town slum in Monrovia and went on to become the only African to win FIFA World Player of the Year, starring for AC Milan, Paris St Germain and Chelsea.

His popularity at home fuelled a previous run for president, in 2005. He won the first round then but lost the second round to Johnson Sirleaf, whom he will now succeed.

His rags-to-riches story helped him tap into dissatisfaction with Johnson Sirleaf&#39;s 12-year tenure. She drew a line under years of civil war but drew criticism for failing to root out corruption or persistent poverty.

&quot;My fellow Liberians, I deeply feel the emotion of all the nation,&quot;&nbsp;Weah&nbsp;wrote on Twitter after the results were announced. &quot;I measure the importance and the responsibility of the immense task which I embrace today. Change is on.&quot;

Weah&#39;s critics, however, say he has offered few concrete policy proposals. His choice of running mate has also raised eyebrows: Jewel Howard-Taylor, the ex-wife of Charles Taylor, a former president of Liberia who is serving 50 years in a British prison for war crimes in neighbouring Sierra Leone.

&quot;I think&nbsp;Weah&nbsp;is not fit for the work. He will see it,&quot; said Anthony Mason, 34, who had huddled around radios at the headquarters of Boakai&#39;s Unity Party for the results.

Weah&nbsp;looked set to sweep 14 of Liberia&#39;s 15 counties in the run-off. Turnout in Tuesday&#39;s vote stood at 56 per cent, the election commission said.

Earlier on Thursday, Boakai said he doubted that the vote was &quot;free, fair and transparent&quot;, without elaborating. He did not say whether he might challenge the eventual result.

The second round was delayed by more than a month after the third-place finisher in October&#39;s first round, backed by Boakai, alleged fraud. The Supreme Court ultimately rejected the challenge.

The US-based Carter Center and National Democratic Institute said on Thursday there were notable improvements in the handling of the run-off, echoing positive assessments from other international observers.

Founded by freed US slaves in 1847, Liberia is Africa&#39;s oldest modern republic. But the last democratic transfer of power occurred in 1944, a military coup took place in 1980 and a 14-year civil war ended only in 2003.

This will be the country's first democratic transition in over 70 years

Former soccer star George Weah has won Liberia's presidential run-off election and will succeed incumbent Ellen Johnson Sirleaf next month, the country's first democratic transition in over 70 years. With 98.1 per cent of the vote counted, Weah led with 61.5 per cent to Vice President Joseph Boakai's 38.5 per cent, National Elections Commission Chairman Jerome Korkoyah told reporters in the capital Monrovia on Thursday. At his party headquarters outside Monrovia, tears streamed down Weah's face as he greeted supporters from a balcony. Below, hundreds of young people sang and danced to a live performance of Hipco, Liberian hip hop music popular with the country's impoverished youth. "Success for George Weah is victory for the whole country," a 47-year-old engineer named Randall Zarkpah said as he walked home with his young son through streets ringing with honking car horns and loud cheers as dusk fell. "When you feel sick for some time and you receive proper medication - that is how I feel now. He will be good for our country. He is King George!" Weah grew up in Clara Town slum in Monrovia and went on to become the only African to win FIFA World Player of the Year, starring for AC Milan, Paris St Germain and Chelsea. His popularity at home fuelled a previous run for president, in 2005. He won the first round then but lost the second round to Johnson Sirleaf, whom he will now succeed. His rags-to-riches story helped him tap into dissatisfaction with Johnson Sirleaf's 12-year tenure. She drew a line under years of civil war but drew criticism for failing to root out corruption or persistent poverty. "My fellow Liberians, I deeply feel the emotion of all the nation," Weah wrote on Twitter after the results were announced. "I measure the importance and the responsibility of the immense task which I embrace today. Change is on." Weah's critics, however, say he has offered few concrete policy proposals. His choice of running mate has also raised eyebrows: Jewel Howard-Taylor, the ex-wife of Charles Taylor, a former president of Liberia who is serving 50 years in a British prison for war crimes in neighbouring Sierra Leone. "I think Weah is not fit for the work. He will see it," said Anthony Mason, 34, who had huddled around radios at the headquarters of Boakai's Unity Party for the results. Weah looked set to sweep 14 of Liberia's 15 counties in the run-off. Turnout in Tuesday's vote stood at 56 per cent, the election commission said. Earlier on Thursday, Boakai said he doubted that the vote was "free, fair and transparent", without elaborating. He did not say whether he might challenge the eventual result. The second round was delayed by more than a month after the third-place finisher in October's first round, backed by Boakai, alleged fraud. The Supreme Court ultimately rejected the challenge. The US-based Carter Center and National Democratic Institute said on Thursday there were notable improvements in the handling of the run-off, echoing positive assessments from other international observers. Founded by freed US slaves in 1847, Liberia is Africa's oldest modern republic. But the last democratic transfer of power occurred in 1944, a military coup took place in 1980 and a 14-year civil war ended only in 2003.

Ex-international footballer George Weah is new Liberia president

Vote counting was under way in Liberia on Wednesday following a peaceful run-off election for a new president, pitting former international footballer George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai.

Voters were choosing a successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after 12 years as Africa&#39;s first elected female head of state.

Results of Tuesday&#39;s vote are expected in a few days, in what would be the West African country&#39;s first democratic transition since 1944, according to electoral officials.

The ballot was delayed for seven weeks due to legal challenges lodged by Boakai&#39;s Unity Party against the electoral commission over the conduct of the first round of voting, but many of the complaints appeared to have been addressed in the second round.

The Liberia Elections Observation Network, which had more than 1,000 observers stationed across the country, hailed a vote it said had passed calmly with better organisation than the first poll on October 10, as did observers from the European Union.

Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who served as an electoral observer for the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), said a successful resolution to the process was of particular importance within the international community.

&quot;This transition is critical and if we succeed, if Liberia succeeds, West Africa succeeded and Africa succeeded,&quot; he said.

&quot;There has been no major incident to report of a technical nature and the voting was peaceful,&quot; noted electoral commission chief Francis Korkoya.

But with the vote held the day after Christmas, some national and international observers warned that turnout may have been affected.

As Liberia&#39;s most famous son, Weah attracts huge crowds and has a faithful youth following in a country where a fifth of the electorate is aged between 18 and 22. But he has been criticised for his performance in the Senate, where he has served since 2014.

Weah, 51, starred in top-flight European football teams Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the 1990s before playing briefly for Chelsea and Manchester City later in his career.

His rival, Boakai, 73, is seen as a continuity candidate and has won praise for his years of public service and image as a corruption-free family man, while fending off allegations he failed to tackle poverty while in government.

From pitch to palace? 
Weah topped the first round of voting with 38.4 percent while Boakai came second with 28.8 percent. That triggered a run-off as neither made it past the 50 percent needed to win outright.

&quot;I voted for George Weah because he is the one who will bring the change we have been waiting for in this country,&quot; declared supporter John Momoh after casting his ballot on Tuesday.

Victoria Blamoh, 56, told AFP she voted for Boakai&#39;s &quot;experience of leadership&quot;, explaining: &quot;He has been in government for 12 years, so he knows the ins and outs of it.&quot;

Whoever wins the election faces an economy battered by lower commodity prices for its main exports of rubber and iron ore, and a rapidly depreciating currency.

Sirleaf guided the nation out of ruin following back-to-back 1989-2003 civil wars and through the horrors of the 2014-16 Ebola crisis, but is accused of failing to combat poverty and tackle corruption.

Living standards in Liberia remain among the worst in the world.

Weah has polled well in Bong county, the fiefdom of Liberian warlord and former president Charles Taylor and his ex-wife, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is the former footballer&#39;s vice-presidential pick, attracting controversy to his campaign.

Charles Taylor is serving a 50-year sentence in Britain for war crimes committed in neighbouring Sierra Leone, but his presence has loomed large over the election.

- Previous fraud claims - 
As counting got under way, the candidates were urged to keep supporters calm to avoid the electoral violence that has hit Liberia in previous years.

Boakai has waged a bitter legal battle over problems with queue control and voter identification in the October 10 first round, and said he would accept the result provided the National Elections Commission (NEC) met &quot;all of the standards&quot;.

Polling stations on Tuesday displayed voter lists as a mark of transparency. The EU&#39;s chief observer, Maria Arena, said staff were &quot;better trained&quot; for the run-off.

Weah alleges that electoral fraud cost him the presidency in 2005 and the vice-presidency in 2011.

His CDC party contested those results but has refrained so far this time, though after voting on Tuesday Weah warned that &quot;what happened in 2005 and 2011 cannot be repeated&quot;.

The run-off pits former international footballer George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai

Vote counting was under way in Liberia on Wednesday following a peaceful run-off election for a new president, pitting former international footballer George Weah against Vice-President Joseph Boakai. Voters were choosing a successor to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, who is stepping down after 12 years as Africa's first elected female head of state. Results of Tuesday's vote are expected in a few days, in what would be the West African country's first democratic transition since 1944, according to electoral officials. The ballot was delayed for seven weeks due to legal challenges lodged by Boakai's Unity Party against the electoral commission over the conduct of the first round of voting, but many of the complaints appeared to have been addressed in the second round. The Liberia Elections Observation Network, which had more than 1,000 observers stationed across the country, hailed a vote it said had passed calmly with better organisation than the first poll on October 10, as did observers from the European Union. Former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan, who served as an electoral observer for the US-based National Democratic Institute (NDI), said a successful resolution to the process was of particular importance within the international community. "This transition is critical and if we succeed, if Liberia succeeds, West Africa succeeded and Africa succeeded," he said. "There has been no major incident to report of a technical nature and the voting was peaceful," noted electoral commission chief Francis Korkoya. But with the vote held the day after Christmas, some national and international observers warned that turnout may have been affected. As Liberia's most famous son, Weah attracts huge crowds and has a faithful youth following in a country where a fifth of the electorate is aged between 18 and 22. But he has been criticised for his performance in the Senate, where he has served since 2014. Weah, 51, starred in top-flight European football teams Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan in the 1990s before playing briefly for Chelsea and Manchester City later in his career. His rival, Boakai, 73, is seen as a continuity candidate and has won praise for his years of public service and image as a corruption-free family man, while fending off allegations he failed to tackle poverty while in government. From pitch to palace? Weah topped the first round of voting with 38.4 percent while Boakai came second with 28.8 percent. That triggered a run-off as neither made it past the 50 percent needed to win outright. "I voted for George Weah because he is the one who will bring the change we have been waiting for in this country," declared supporter John Momoh after casting his ballot on Tuesday. Victoria Blamoh, 56, told AFP she voted for Boakai's "experience of leadership", explaining: "He has been in government for 12 years, so he knows the ins and outs of it." Whoever wins the election faces an economy battered by lower commodity prices for its main exports of rubber and iron ore, and a rapidly depreciating currency. Sirleaf guided the nation out of ruin following back-to-back 1989-2003 civil wars and through the horrors of the 2014-16 Ebola crisis, but is accused of failing to combat poverty and tackle corruption. Living standards in Liberia remain among the worst in the world. Weah has polled well in Bong county, the fiefdom of Liberian warlord and former president Charles Taylor and his ex-wife, Jewel Howard-Taylor, who is the former footballer's vice-presidential pick, attracting controversy to his campaign. Charles Taylor is serving a 50-year sentence in Britain for war crimes committed in neighbouring Sierra Leone, but his presence has loomed large over the election. - Previous fraud claims - As counting got under way, the candidates were urged to keep supporters calm to avoid the electoral violence that has hit Liberia in previous years. Boakai has waged a bitter legal battle over problems with queue control and voter identification in the October 10 first round, and said he would accept the result provided the National Elections Commission (NEC) met "all of the standards". Polling stations on Tuesday displayed voter lists as a mark of transparency. The EU's chief observer, Maria Arena, said staff were "better trained" for the run-off. Weah alleges that electoral fraud cost him the presidency in 2005 and the vice-presidency in 2011. His CDC party contested those results but has refrained so far this time, though after voting on Tuesday Weah warned that "what happened in 2005 and 2011 cannot be repeated".

Counting under way in Liberia presidential run-off

Liberia said today it was free of Ebola, meaning there are now no known cases of the deadly tropical virus left in west Africa following an outbreak that began in neighbouring Guinea in December 2013. 
 
Liberia was worst hit with more than 4,800 Liberians killed by the virus, and was awaiting the all-clear following the discharge of its last known patients in May. 
 
&quot;Liberia is again free of Ebola. We have just ended the incubation period following the last case,&quot; Sorbor George, chief of communication at the ministry, told AFP. 
 
The west African nation has now passed the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 42 days -- twice the incubation period for the virus -- since the last known patient tested negative for the second time. 
 
&quot;WHO commends Liberia`s government and people on their effective response to this recent re-emergence of Ebola,&quot; said Alex Gasasira WHO representative in Liberia in a statement. 
 
&quot;WHO will continue to support Liberia in its effort to prevent, detect and respond to suspected cases,&quot; Gasasira added. 
 
The country now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance for any new cases. 
 
At its peak in 2014, Ebola sparked anxiety about a possible global pandemic and led some governments to threaten or unilaterally enforce travel bans to and from the worst-affected countries -- Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea.&nbsp; 
 
The WHO declared an end to Ebola cases in Guinea on June 1 and Sierra Leone on March 17. 
 
However, previous declarations announcing the end of Ebola flare-ups in west Africa have been followed by new cases -- the virus has re-emerged three times in Liberia.Health authorities were monitoring for new cases after a woman died of Ebola in the capital of Monrovia on March 31 after arriving from Guinea. 
 
Two of her three children, aged five and two, subsequently tested positive for the virus. 
 
The virus affected ten countries, including the United States and Spain, with more than 28,000 cases reported. 
 
The Liberian health ministry called on people to remain vigilant in order to avoid another outbreak in the future. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;We have been carrying on a sensitisation campaign. This campaign will continue, and we will still be in readiness to contain any eventual outbreak,&quot; George said. 
 
The risk of infection lasts beyond the 42-day period because the virus can survive in certain bodily fluids of survivors, particularly sperm, where it can linger up to a year, according to experts. 
 
In Paynesville, the Monrovia suburb where the most recent spate of cases were registered, residents were glad to be moving on. 
 
&quot;It is good to hear that Ebola is gone again, but from what we saw recently we remain resilient in our preventive measures. We don`t want our neighbourhood`s name to be attached to the outbreak,&quot; said Bubakar Sanor, 56. 
 
&quot;We are happy that our health workers are now up to the task, containing the virus with bravery and professionalism,&quot; he told AFP.

With the country rid of the disease - the last known patient tested negative twice - there are no cases of the virus left in west Africa

Liberia said today it was free of Ebola, meaning there are now no known cases of the deadly tropical virus left in west Africa following an outbreak that began in neighbouring Guinea in December 2013. Liberia was worst hit with more than 4,800 Liberians killed by the virus, and was awaiting the all-clear following the discharge of its last known patients in May. "Liberia is again free of Ebola. We have just ended the incubation period following the last case," Sorbor George, chief of communication at the ministry, told AFP. The west African nation has now passed the World Health Organization (WHO) threshold of 42 days -- twice the incubation period for the virus -- since the last known patient tested negative for the second time. "WHO commends Liberia`s government and people on their effective response to this recent re-emergence of Ebola," said Alex Gasasira WHO representative in Liberia in a statement. "WHO will continue to support Liberia in its effort to prevent, detect and respond to suspected cases," Gasasira added. The country now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance for any new cases. At its peak in 2014, Ebola sparked anxiety about a possible global pandemic and led some governments to threaten or unilaterally enforce travel bans to and from the worst-affected countries -- Liberia, Sierra Leone and Guinea. The WHO declared an end to Ebola cases in Guinea on June 1 and Sierra Leone on March 17. However, previous declarations announcing the end of Ebola flare-ups in west Africa have been followed by new cases -- the virus has re-emerged three times in Liberia.Health authorities were monitoring for new cases after a woman died of Ebola in the capital of Monrovia on March 31 after arriving from Guinea. Two of her three children, aged five and two, subsequently tested positive for the virus. The virus affected ten countries, including the United States and Spain, with more than 28,000 cases reported. The Liberian health ministry called on people to remain vigilant in order to avoid another outbreak in the future. "We have been carrying on a sensitisation campaign. This campaign will continue, and we will still be in readiness to contain any eventual outbreak," George said. The risk of infection lasts beyond the 42-day period because the virus can survive in certain bodily fluids of survivors, particularly sperm, where it can linger up to a year, according to experts. In Paynesville, the Monrovia suburb where the most recent spate of cases were registered, residents were glad to be moving on. "It is good to hear that Ebola is gone again, but from what we saw recently we remain resilient in our preventive measures. We don`t want our neighbourhood`s name to be attached to the outbreak," said Bubakar Sanor, 56. "We are happy that our health workers are now up to the task, containing the virus with bravery and professionalism," he told AFP.

Liberia says it is free of ebola

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