Liberia's still waiting

The presidential elections took place last week but the people of Liberia will have to wait for the results.

It appears that the first ever elected African female president, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has won, defeating opponent George Weah. The elections were peaceful and well monitored. It seems Mr. Weah is not happy with the results and has called for an investigation into the process. He has asked his supporters, many ex-combatants, to remain peaceful while the investigation is going on.

Last Friday there were clashes with his supporters and the UN soldiers near the American Embassy.

The BBC reports :

In light of the persistent street protests, which are causing panic among citizens... resulting in intermittent closures of schools and business houses, government can no longer allow this situation to continue," interim leader Gyude Bryant said in an address to the nation.

"Government will not under any circumstances accept a situation where some citizens decide to hold the rest of the country hostage because they do not agree with a particular issue or course of action," he said.

Mr Weah has urged his supporters - who include many former combatants - to remain calm. But a CDC party official warned that if Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf is declared the winner, there will be "resistance".

Please continue to pray for peace in Liberia. The ship is there now and the crew have limited shore leave while the investigation is happening.