Sirleaf to be sworn in as Africa's first female president

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf takes office today as Liberia’s new head of state, carving her name into history as Africa’s first elected female president and taking the helm of a ruined nation struggling for peace after a quarter century of coups and war.

Sirleaf pledged to unite her country and secure the trust of sceptical foreign donors whose aid is desperately needed to rebuild. She also hoped her ascension to power would be an inspiration to women worldwide.