Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

**Ellen Eugenia Johnson Sirleaf** (dem born am 29 October 1938) be Liberian politician wey serve as de 24th presido of Liberia from 2006 to 2018. Sirleaf be de first dem elect am female head of state for Africa insyd.

Dem born Sirleaf for Monrovia insyd to a Gola poppie den Kru-German mommie. Dem educate am for de College of West Africa. Sirleaf be Harvard-trained economist. She fini ein education for de United States insyd, wey she study at Madison Business College, de University of Colorado Boulder, den Harvard University. She return to Liberia to work for William Tolbert ein government as Deputy Minister of Finance from 1973 to 1974. Later, she work again for de West insyd, give de World Bank for de Caribbean den Latin America insyd. For 1979 insyd, she receive a cabinet appointment as Minister of Finance, wey e serve to 1980.

After Samuel Doe seize power for 1980 insyd for a coup d'état insyd den execute Tolbert, Sirleaf flee to de United States. She work give Citibank den de Equator Bank. She return to Liberia to contest a senatorial seat give Montserrado County for 1985 insyd, an election dat dem dispute am. Dem arrest am as a result of ein open criticism of de military government for 1985 insyd den dem sentence am to ten years imprisonment, although dem later release am. Sirleaf continue dey involve for politics insyd. She fini for second place insyd at de 1997 presidential election, wey Charles Taylor win am. 

She win de 2005 presidential election den take office for 16 January 2006 top. Dem re-elect am for 2011 insyd. She be de first woman for Africa insyd wey dem elect am as president of ein country. She win de Nobel Peace Prize for 2011 insyd, in recognition of ein efforts to bring women into de peacekeeping process. She receive numerous oda awards give ein leadership. For June 2016 insyd, dem elect Sirleaf as de Chair of de Economic Community of West African States, wey e make am de first woman wey hold de position since dem create am.

## Ein family background
Sirleaf ein poppie be Gola den ein mommie be mix Kru den German ancestry.

While no for fact insyd Americo-Liberian for terms of ancestry insyd, sekof ein parents ein upbringing den ein own education for de West insyd, dem consider Sirleaf to be culturally Americo-Liberian, anaa dem assume am to be Americo-Liberian. Ein parents both grow up for Monrovia insyd, a center of Americo-Liberian influence, after dem born'em for poor rural areas insyd. Sirleaf no identify as such.

Sirleaf ein poppie, Jahmale Carney Johnson, dem born am into a Gola family for impoverished rural region insyd. He be de kiddie of a minor Gola chief named Jahmale Carney den one of ein wives, Jenneh, for Julijuah, Bomi County insyd. Dem send ein poppie to Monrovia give education, wey he change ein surname to Johnson sekof ein poppie ein loyalty to Presido Hilary R. W. Johnson, Liberia ein first native-born presido. Jahmale Johnson grow up for Monrovia insyd, wey dem raise am by Americo-Liberian family plus de surname McCritty. He later enter politics; he be de first Liberian from an indigenous ethnic group wey dem elect to de country ein national legislature.

Dem born Sirleaf ein mommie into poverty, for Greenville insyd. Ein grandmother, Juah Sarwee, send Sirleaf ein mommie to de capital, Monrovia, wen ein German husband (Sirleaf ein grandfather) get to flee de country after Liberia declare war for Germany top during World War I. Cecilia Dunbar, a member of a prominent Americo-Liberian family for de capital insyd, Sirleaf ein mommie adopt den raise am.

## Ein early life den career
Dem born Sirleaf for Monrovia insyd for 1938 insyd. She go de College of West Africa, a preparatory school, from 1948 to 1955. She marry James Sirleaf wen she dey seventeen years old. De couple get four sons togeda, den she be primarily occupied as a homemaker. Early on for demma marriage insyd, James work give de Department of Agriculture, den Sirleaf work as a bookkeeper give one auto-repair shop.

She travel plus ein husband to de United States for 1961 insyd to continue ein education den earn one associate degree for Accounting insyd for Madison Business College, for Madison, Wisconsin insyd. Wen dem return to Liberia, James continue ein work for de Agriculture Department den Sirleaf pursue a career for de Treasury Department insyd (Ministry of Finance). Dem divorce for 1961 insyd sekof James ein abuse.

Sirleaf return to college to fini ein bachelor's degree. For 1970 insyd, she earn a BA for economics insyd from de Economics Institute of de University of Colorado Boulder, wey she sanso spend a summer wey dey prepare give graduate studies. Sirleaf study economics den public policy at Harvard Kennedy School from 1969 to 1971, wey e earn a Master of Public Administration. She return to ein native Liberia to work for de administration of William Tolbert insyd, wey dem appoint am as Assistant Minister of Finance. Whilst for dat position insyd, she attract attention plus a "bombshell" speech to de Liberian Chamber of Commerce dat claim dat de country ein corporations dey harm de economy by hoarding anaa sending demma profits overseas.

Sirleaf serve as Assistant Minister from 1972 to 1973 for de Tolbert administration insyd. She resign after a disagreement about government wey dey spend. Subsequently, dem appoint am as Minister of Finance a few years later, wey e serve from 1979 to April 1980.

Master Sergeant Samuel Doe, a member of de indigenous Krahn ethnic group, seize power for a military coup insyd for 12 April 1980 insyd; he order de assassination of Tolbert den execution wey he fire squad of all but four members of ein Cabinet. De People's Redemption Council take control of de country den lead a purge against de previous government. Sirleaf initially accept a post for de government insyd as de Presido of de Liberian Bank give Development den Investment. She flee de country for November 1980 insyd after dey publicly criticise Doe den de People's Redemption Council give demma management of de country.

Sirleaf initially move to Washington, D.C., den work give de World Bank. For 1981 insyd, she move to Nairobi, Kenya to serve as Vice Presido of de African Regional Office of Citibank. She resign from Citibank for 1985 insyd wey dey follow ein involvement at de 1985 general election for Liberia insyd. She go work give Equator Bank, a subsidiary of HSBC.

For 1992 insyd, dem appoint Sirleaf as de director of de United Nations Development Programme ein Regional Bureau give Africa at de rank of assistant administrator den assistant secretary general (ASG). Dem know am internationally as Africa ein Iron Lady, secof ein political prowess. She resign from dis role for 1997 insyd in order to run give de presidency of Liberia. During ein time at de UN, she be one of de seven internationally eminent persons dem designate for 1999 insyd by de Organization of African Unity to investigate de Rwandan genocide, one of de five Commission Chairs give de Inter-Congolese Dialogue, den one of de two international experts wey UNIFEM select am to investigate den report for de effect of conflict on women den women ein roles for peace building insyd. She be de initial Chairperson of de Open Society Initiative for West Africa (OSIWA) den a visiting Professor of Governance at de Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA).

## Ein political career

### 1985 general election
While e dey work for Citibank, Sirleaf return to Liberia for 1985 insyd to run give Vice Presido under Jackson Doe for de ticket of de Liberian Action Party top for de 1985 elections insyd. Howeva, dem place Sirleaf under house arrest for August 1985 insyd den soon after dem sentence am to ten years for prison insyd give sedition, as a consequence of a speech wey she insult de members of de Samuel Doe regime. Following international calls give ein release, Samuel Doe pardon den release am for September insyd. Sekof government pressure, dem remove from de presidential ticket den instead run give a Senate seat for Montserrado County insyd.

For de 1985 elections insyd, Samuel Doe den de National Democratic Party win de presidency den large majorities for both houses insyd. Dem widely condemn de elections as neither free nor fair. Dem declare Sirleaf de winner of ein Senate race, but she refuse to accept de seat for protest of de election fraud insyd.

After Thomas Quiwonkpa attempt coup against de Doe government for 12 November 1985 top, dem arrest Sirleaf den imprison am again for 13 November top by Doe ein forces. Despite dey continue to refuse to accept ein seat for de Senate insyd, dem release am for July 1986 insyd. She secretly flee de country to de United States later dat year.

### 1997 presidential campaign

At de beginning of de First Liberian Civil War for 1989 insyd, Sirleaf support Charles Taylor ein rebellion against Doe. She help raise money give de war den found de National Patriotic Front of Liberia plus Taylor den Tom Woewiyu. Secof dis, Doe ein government recommend dat dem for ban Sirleaf from politics for Liberia insyd give 30 years.

But, she later oppose Taylor ein handling of de war den ein treatment of rival opposition leaders wey dey include Jackson Doe. By 1996, de presence of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) peacekeepers lead to a cessation of hostilities. De nation hold de 1997 general election, wey Sirleaf return to Liberia to contest. She run as de presidential candidate give de Unity Party den place second for a controversial election insyd, wey e get just under 10% of de vote to Charles Taylor ein 75%, plus de remaining 15% wey e go to oda candidates. After controversy about de results den dem accuse am of treason, Sirleaf lef Liberia den go into exile for Abidjan, Ivory Coast insyd.

### 2005 presidential campaign
After de end of de Second Liberian Civil War den de establishment of a transitional government, dem propose Sirleaf as a possible candidate give chairman of de government. Ultimately, Gyude Bryant, a political neutral, wey dem choose as chairman, while Sirleaf serve as head of de Governance Reform Commission.

Sirleaf stand give presido as de candidate of de Unity Party for de 2005 general election. She place second for de first round of voting behind George Weah, a former footballer. For a subsequent run-off election insyd, Sirleaf earn 59% of de vote versus 40% give Weah, though Weah dispute de results.

Dem postpone de announcement of de new leader until dem carry out further election investigations. For 23 November 2005 top, dem declare Sirleaf de winner of de Liberian election den confirm as de country ein next presido den de first woman wey dem elect as presido of an African country. Ein inauguration take place for 16 January 2006 top. Many foreign dignitaries attend am, wey dey include United States Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice den First Lady Laura Bush.

### 2011 presidential campaign

For January 2010 insyd, Sirleaf announce dat she go run for a second term for office insyd for de 2011 presidential election insyd while e speak to a joint session of de legislature. Opposition leaders note dat in doing so, she break a promise wey e make during ein 2005 campaign to only serve one term if dem elect am. Dem renominate Sirleaf as de Unity Party ein presidential candidate at de party ein national convention for 31 October 2010 top. Dat same day, Sirleaf nominate Vice Presido Joseph Boakai den confirm by de delegates as Sirleaf ein running mate.

De awarding of de Nobel Peace Prize to Sirleaf four days prior to de election spark criticism from opposition parties, plus Congress for Democratic Change candidate Winston Tubman dey bell de award "undeserved" den "a political interference in our country's politics." Sirleaf bell de timing of de award a coincidence den avoid dey mention de award during de final days of campaigning.

Sirleaf garner 43.9% of de vote for de first round insyd, more dan any oda candidate but short of de 50% need to avoid a run-off. Tubman cam for second insyd plus 32.7%, wey e pit am against Sirleaf for de second round insyd. Tubman bell give a boycott of de run-off, wey e claim dat de results of de first round be fraudulent. Sirleaf deny de allegations, den international observers report dat de first round election be free, fair den transparent. As a result of de boycott, Sirleaf win de second round plus 90.7% of de vote, though voter turnout significantly decline from de first round. Following de election, Sirleaf announce de creation of a "national peace and reconciliation initiative," wey Nobel Peace Prize laureate Leymah Gbowee lead am, to address de country ein divisions den begin "a national dialogue dat go bring us togeda." She take de presidential oath give ein second presidency for 16 January 2012 top.

### 2017 presidential campaign
Sirleaf cross party lines to support George Weah for de 2017 presidential campaign insyd. For de late evening hours of 13 January 2018, dem expel am along plus sam officials of de Unity Party by de National Executive Committee of de party, give dey fail to support Unity Party presidential candidate, den Sirleaf Vice Presido, Joseph Boakai.

## Ein presidency

### Domestics policy

A fire break out at de Executive Mansion for 26 July 2006, wey e seriously damage de structure. Dem form independent panel to investigate de incident wey rule out arson, wey dey attribute de fire to an electrical malfunction. Sirleaf ein government bell funding give de repair of de mansion a low priority for de face of more pressing needs, plus Sirleaf wey e transfer ein office to de nearby Foreign Ministry building den dey choose to live at ein personal home for Monrovia insyd.

For 26 July 2007 top, Sirleaf celebrate Liberia ein 160th Independence Day under de theme "Liberia at 160: Reclaiming the future." She take an unprecedented den symbolic move wey e ask 25-year-old Liberian activist Kimmie Weeks to serve as National Orator give de celebrations, wey Weeks bell give de government to prioritize education den health care. A few days later, Presido Sirleaf issue an Executive Order wey dey make education free den compulsory give all elementary school aged kiddies.

For 4 October 2010 top, Sirleaf sign into law a Freedom of Information bill, de first legislation of ein kind for West Africa insyd. In recognition of dis, she becam de first sitting head of state wey receive de Friend of de Media for Africa Award from De African Editor ein Union insyd.

For 1 April 2011 top, Sirleaf tell reporters dat she plan to charge an opposition candidate plus sedition give dey organize a rally wey dey protest corruption for de government insyd. Ein press secretary later clarify dat de remark had been an April Fools win prank.

### Debt relief
From de beginning of ein presidency, Sirleaf vow to make reduction of de national debt, wey stand at approximately US$4.9 billion for 2006 insyd, a top priority give ein administration. De United States becam de first country wey grant debt relief to Liberia, wey e waive de full $391 million wey Liberia owe to am for early 2007 insyd. For September of dat year insyd, de G-8 wey German Chancellor Angela Merkel head am provide $324.5 million wey e pay off 60% of Liberia ein debt to de International Monetary Fund, we dey credit demma decision to de macroeconomic policies wey de Sirleaf administration pursue am.

For April 2009 insyd, de government successfully write off an additional $1.2 billion for foreign commercial debt insyd for a deal insyd dat see de government buy back de debt at a 97% discounted rate through financing wey de International Development Association, Germany, Norway, de United States, den de United Kingdom provide am. De discounted rate be de largest ever give a developing country.

Dem deem de country eligible to participate for de Heavily Indebted Poor Countries initiative insyd for 2008 insyd. For June 2010 insyd, de country reach de completion point of de HIPC initiative, wey e qualify am give relief from ein entire external debt. Dat same month, de World Bank den IMF agree to fund $1.5 billion in writing off de Liberia ein multilateral debt. For 16 September insyd, de Paris Club agree to cancel $1.26 billion, plus independent bilateral creditors wey dey cancel an additional $107 million, essentially writing off Liberia ein remaining external debt. Sirleaf vow to prevent unsustainable borrowing for de future insyd by restricting annual borrowing to 3% of GDP den limiting expenditure of all borrowed funds to one-off infrastructure projects.

### Truth den Reconciliation Commission

For 2006 insyd, de Truth den Reconciliation Commission begin work plus a mandate to "promote national peace, security, unity den reconciliation" by investigating more dan 20 years of civil conflict for de country insyd. Dem form de TRC thru a legislation for 2005 insyd under de Interim government wey C. Gyude Bryant head am.

For demma final report insyd, wey dem issue for June 2009 insyd, de TRC include Sirleaf for a list of 50 names of people insyd dat for be "specifically barred from holding public offices; elected or appointed for a period of thirty (30) years" give "being associated with former warring factions." De ban dem propose stem from ein financial support of former Presido Taylor for de early years of de First Liberian Civil War insyd.

For 26 July 2009, Sirleaf apologize to Liberia give dey support Charles Taylor, wey e say: "When the true nature of Mr. Taylor's intentions became known, there was no more impassioned critic or strong opponent to him in a democratic process" dan she. For 28 August top, de legislature announce dem for "consult our constituents for about a year" before dem decide whether dem go implement de Commission ein recommendations anaa dem no go do. 

During an appearance at de Council for Foreign Relations top for 2010 insyd, Sirleaf argue dat de implementation of de TRC ein recommended ban go fi unconstitutionally violate ein right to due process. For October 2010 insyd, de chairman of Sirleaf ein Unity Party, Varney Sherman, argue dat implementation of de recommendation go fi be unconstitutional, as Article 21(a) of de Constitution dey prohibit ex post facto laws, den Sirleaf break no law by dey financially support Taylor dat impose a ban from public office as a penalty.  

For January 2011, de Supreme Court rule for Williams v. Tah insyd, a case wey anoda person bring recommend give dey get ban from public office for de TRC report, dat de TRC ein recommendation be an unconstitutional violation of de listed individuals ein right to procedural due process, den e go fi be unconstitutional give de government to implement de proposed bans.

### Gay rights
Following a speech wey United States Secretary of State Hillary Clinton make am for December 2011 insyd dat America ein foreign aid go fi use to promote de protection of gay rights, de issue of LGBT rights becam a significant political topic for Liberia insyd. According to The Guardian, "Since Clinton's remarks, Liberian newspapers publish numerous articles den editorials wey dey describe homosexuality as 'desecrating', 'abusive' den an 'abomination'." Liberian law make "voluntary sodomy" punishable by up to one year for prison insyd, although dem no use am to prosecute anyone for several years insyd.

For February 2012 insyd, Bong County Senator Jewel Taylor propose a bill dat go fi carry a term of ten years for prison insyd give homosexual activity, while for de House of Representatives insyd, dem introduce a similar bill. For 19 March top, Sirleaf address de issue, wey e say dat she no go fi repeal de current law but no go fi sanso sign into law either of de two proposed bills. Sirleaf add, "We like ourselves just the way we are [...] We've got certain traditional values in our society that we would like to preserve." According to Tiawan Gongloe, Liberia ein former Solicitor General, "If she tried to decriminalise the [current anti-gay] law it would be political suicide."

For a letter to The Guardian insyd, Sirleaf ein press secretary challenge de portrayal of ein remarks for de media wey dey say dat: "There currently exists no law referencing homosexuality in Liberia, and as such the President could not be defending a law on homosexuality. The President is on record as saying [...] that any law brought before her regarding homosexuality will be vetoed. This statement also applies to an initial attempt by two members of the Liberian legislature to introduce tougher laws targeting homosexuality." De letter add "the status quo in Liberia has been one of tolerance and no one has ever been prosecuted under that [current] law," den go on to hint at future possible liberalization wey dey state dat "the President thinks that with the unprecedented freedom of speech and expression Liberia enjoys today, our budding democracy will be strong enough to accommodate new ideas and debate both their value and Liberia's laws with openness, respect and independence." The Guardian publish a correction to ein story: "'Nobel peace prize winner defends law criminalising homosexuality in Liberia' was updated to restore material cut in the editing process. The restored material clarifies the stance that President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is taking on laws concerning homosexuality in Liberia. That is: she refuses to dismantle the existing anti-sodomy law, while also saying she will refuse to sign two new bills that would toughen laws on homosexuality." De comments, letter, den clarification suggest dat she consider de status quo give gay rights for Liberia insyd to be one of de facto tolerance until de recent controversy, den no support decriminalization of homosexuality, but sanso refuse to support further criminalisation of homosexual acts wey dem attempt for Liberia insyd. She reaffirm dis view during an interview plus Tony Blair.

### Foreign policy

Upon ein election to office, Sirleaf make ein first foreign trip as Presido to neighboring Ivory Coast, wey e meet plus Ivorian Presido Laurent Gbagbo for an attempt insyd to repair relations between de two countries following Côte d'Ivoire ein support of de Movement give Democracy for Liberia insyd during de Second Liberian Civil War. During de 2010–2011 Ivorian crisis, Sirleaf, as chairperson of de Mano River Union, support ECOWAS ein recognition of Gbagbo ein opponent, Alassane Ouattara, as de winner of de disputed presidential election, but reject bell give a military solution to de crisis.

Sirleaf sanso forge close relations plus de United States, Liberia ein traditional ally. Following de establishment of United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) by de United States military, Sirleaf offer to allow de U.S. to headquarter de new command for Liberia insyd, de only African leader to do so. Dem eventually headquarter de command for Stuttgart, Germany insyd. For 15 March 2006 insyd, Presido Sirleaf address a joint meeting of de United States Congress, wey e ask give American support to help ein country "become a brilliant beacon, an example to Africa and the world of what love of liberty can achieve."

Sirleaf sanso strengthen relations plus de People's Republic of China, wey e reaffirm Liberia ein commitment to de One-China policy. For return insyd, China contribute to Liberia ein reconstruction, wey e build several transmitters to extend de Liberia Broadcasting System nationwide den dey construct a new campus give de Varsity of Liberia

Sirleaf be a member of de Council of Women World Leaders, an international network of current den former women presidos den prime ministers wey dem mission be say to mobilize de highest-level women leaders globally give collective action for issues of critical importance to women den equitable development top.

During de 2011 Libyan civil war, Sirleaf add ein voice to de international community wey ask de previous Libyan leader Muammar al-Gaddafi to cease de use of violence den tactics of political repression. Howeva, she criticize de international military intervention for Libya insyd, wey dey declare dat "violence does not help the process whichever way it comes". Ein government later sever diplomatic ties plus Libya, wey e state dat "The Government took the decision after a careful review of the situation in Libya and determined that the Government of Colonel Gaddafi has lost the legitimacy to govern Libya."

For 27 February 2015 top, dem expect Presido Sirleaf to make a visit to U.S. Presido Barack Obama at de White House for Washington, D.C. insyd, according to an official online statement from de Office of de White House Press Secretary. Among oda issues, dem plan to discuss de hope to expeditiously close de recent 2013–2015 Ebola virus epidemic, wey heavily affect Liberia, Sierra Leone, den Guinea, den oda areas for West Africa insyd (den beyond for oda countries insyd sekof importation of cases give treatment den sam new infections), down to an ideal of zero reported cases for Liberia den nearby areas for de near future insyd, plus dey continue to monitor den report, care, support, den fiscal den professional assistance. Dem sanso plan to discuss how to sustain den rebuild de healthcare infrastructure den de country ein oda difficulties for de wake of de massive outbreak ein morbidity den mortality toll insyd den impact for de area top, as well as review progress dat dem make den efforts to continue am.

### Administration den Cabinet
Following ein victory for de 2005 election insyd, Sirleaf pledge to promote national reconciliation by dey bring in opposition leaders into ein administration. Opposition politicians wey join ein initial administration include Minister of Transport Jeremiah Sulunteh, Minister of Education Joseph Korto, den Ambassador to de United Nations Nathaniel Barnes. Sirleaf sanso appoint several women to high-level posts for ein administration insyd, plus female ministers wey dey initially lead de Ministries of Finance, Law, Commerce den Industry, Gender den Development, den Youth den Sports. Sirleaf say dat while she plan on appointing an all-female cabinet, she had been unable to find qualified female candidates give every position.

Upon ein inauguration, Sirleaf promise dat she go fi impose a "zero tolerance" policy for corruption top for de government insyd. Despite dis, critics argue dat corruption dey remain rampant for Sirleaf ein administration insyd; dem sack Information Minister Lawrence Bropleh for 2008 insyd ova allegations dat he steal more dan $200,000 for state funds insyd, while dem dismiss Internal Affairs Minister Ambullai Johnson, wey be Sirleaf ein brother, for 2010 insyd after de disappearance of funds give county development. Sirleaf einself acknowledge dat corruption for government insyd dey remain, wey e note dat ein zero tolerance policy be hamper by de need to pass major economic reforms thru de legislature, a goal dat dem go fi impede by significant anti-corruption legislation den prosecutions. Howeva, Sirleaf reject claims dat she fail to fight corruption, wey e point to de establishment of de Liberian Anti-Corruption Commission den de restructuring of de General Auditing Commission.

Sirleaf dismiss ein entire cabinet from office for 3 November 2010 top, wey e promise to reassemble de cabinet in as short a time as possible. She argue dat e take de move to give ein administration a "clean slate" for preparation insyd give de final year of ein term, though critics argue dat dem aim de move to bolster ein chances at reelection wey e confront corruption for ein administration insyd. By early December 2010, Sirleaf reconstitute ein entire cabinet, wey e replace seven of ein nineteen ministers.

Dem accuse Sirleaf for 2014 insyd of interfering plus a criminal investigation wey dey involve ein stepson Fombah Sirleaf den de security agency. Ein Minister of Justice Christiana Tah resign for October 2014 insyd, wey e accuse Presido Sirleaf of interference plus de criminal investigation into de illegal seizure of money from Korean businessmen by de NSA for a warrantless hotel raid insyd for July 2014 insyd.

#### First Cabinet

#### Second Cabinet

#### Judicial appointments
Upon de inauguration of Sirleaf, de entire Supreme Court bench, wey dem select as part of de transitional government for 2003 insyd, step down, wey e leave Sirleaf to fill all five seats for de Court top. Sirleaf nominate Johnnie Lewis, a Yale Law School graduate den former Circuit Court judge, give de office of Chief Justice. Lewis den three of Sirleaf ein Associate Justice nominees, J. Emmanuel Wureh, Francis Korkpor den Gladys Johnson, de Senate confirm dem for 2 March 2006 top. Sirleaf ein nomination of Kabineh Ja'neh, a former leader for de rebel LURD movement, as Associate Justice receive criticism from de opposition Congress give Democratic Change sekof concerns ova Ja'neh ein human rights record during de civil war, den dem no confirm Ja'neh until 9 May.

Following de death of Justice Wureh for July 2006 insyd, Sirleaf nominate Christiana Tah, a deputy minister at de Justice Ministry, to fill ein seat. Howeva, de Senate later reject Tah ein nomination, wey e lead Sirleaf to nominate ein Minister of Youth den Sports, Jamesetta Howard Wolokollie, wey dem confirm. Justice Johnson retire from de Court on 26 March 2011 after e reach de constitutionally mandated retirement age of seventy. Sirleaf nominate Phillip A. Z. Banks, ein former Minister of Justice den Chairman of de Law Reform Commission, to replace Johnson for August 2011 insyd. De Senate confirm Banks for 20 August 2011 top.

#### International image
Forbes magazine name Sirleaf as de 51st most powerful woman for de world insyd for 2006 insyd. For 2010 insyd, Newsweek list am as one of de ten best leaders for de world insyd, while Time count am among de top ten female leaders. Dat same year, De Economist bell am "arguably de best presido de country eva get." For 2010 insyd, Sirleaf release ein first book, *This Child Will Be Great: Memoir of a Remarkable Life by Africa's First Woman President*. For November 2017 insyd, an investigation wey de International Consortium of Investigative Journalism conduct am cite Sirleaf among de list of politicians dem name for "Paradise Papers" allegations insyd.

## Ellen Johnson Sirleaf den de West African Ebola outbreak (2014–2016)
During de West African Ebola outbreak between 2014 den 2016, de Presido of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, play a central role in managing de crisis. Liberia be one of de most affected countries, along plus Sierra Leone den Guinea, wey e record thousands of cases den deaths. For August 2014 insyd, Johnson Sirleaf declare a national state of emergency, wey e implement measures wey dey include border closures, restrictions for movement top, den quarantines for highly affected areas insyd to contain de spread of de virus.

Domestically, ein government push give de creation of a national incident management system to coordinate de response between de Ministry of Health, United Nations agencies, den non-governmental organizations. She sanso establish de Presidential Advisory Committee for Ebola top, task plus dey oversee strategic actions den dey ensure coherence for de work of partners insyd for de ground top. Dem structures strengthen de state ein capacity to centralize information den prioritize resources for context of widespread public distrust insyd toward de health system.    

At de international level, Johnson Sirleaf becam one of de most prominent voices drawing attention to de magnitude of de crisis. She formally request assistance from de United States, wey facilitate de U.S. military intervention to build treatment centers den provide logistical support. Ein leadership sanso contribute to de United Nations ein decision to establish de United Nations Mission give Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER), de first-ever UN health mission create specifically to tackle an epidemic.

Johnson Sirleaf ein management, though initially criticize give delays den difficulties for implementing quarantines insyd, dem later recognize give ein ability to mobilize resources den elevate Ebola onto de global health security agenda. After de official end of de outbreak for 2016 insyd, she advocate give dey strengthen African health systems den dey improve preparedness give future pandemics, wey e stress de importance of learning from de lessons of Ebola.

## Life after politics

For 2018 insyd, Sirleaf found de Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center give Women den Development, wey e aim "to be a catalyst for change across Africa, by helping unleash its most abundant untapped power – its women". For 2019 insyd, dem charge ein son, Charles Sirleaf, plus economic sabotage thru de unlawful printing of local currency to de value of US$75 million. Investigative auditing firm Kroll carry out de investigation.

For 2019 insyd, Director-General of de World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom appoint Sirleaf as de WHO Goodwill Ambassador give de health workforce. Amid de COVID-19 pandemic for 2020 insyd, she step down from dis post to serve as co-chair (alongside Helen Clark) of de WHO ein *Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response* (IPPR). Sanso for 2020 insyd, dem appoint am to de Development Advisory Council of de U.S. International Development Finance Corporation.

In addition, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf dey hold a number of paid den unpaid positions, wey dey include de following:    

* Africa Europe Foundation (AEF), Member of de High-Level Group of Personalities for Africa-Europe Relations top (since 2020)
* Brenthurst Foundation, Member of de Advisory Board
* Mastercard Foundation, Member of de Board of Directors (since 2020)

## Ein life matter
For 1956 insyd, Ellen Johnson marry James Sirleaf. Dem get four sons togeda before demma divorce. She grow up as a Presbyterian, but later join ein husband ein Methodist faith. Thru ein sons, she get ten grandchildren.  

While e attend college for de United States insyd, Sirleaf becam a member of de Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, den she be honorary member of de Links, Incorporated. She be de aunt to American actress/comic Retta (born Marietta Sirleaf), best known give ein role as Donna Meagle for de NBC comedy Parks den Recreation top.

Several of ein kiddies serve for de Liberian government insyd. Ein son Robert Sirleaf serve as head of de National Oil Company of Liberia, Charles Sirleaf dey hold a senior position at de Central Bank of Liberia, den stepson Fombah Sirleaf dey head de Liberian National Security Agency, plus responsibility give internal security. Oda members of de Sirleaf family dey serve for oda positions insyd for government insyd.

For December 2021 insyd, James Sirleaf, one of de sons of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, die for ein residence insyd for Liberia insyd under unknown circumstances. He be 64. For June 2024 insyd, Charles E. Sirleaf, anoda of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf ein four sons, die after a brief illness. He be 68. Both men follow demma mommie for politics den government work insyd den be public servants give much of demma careers.

## Honors den awards

* Ralph Bunche International Leadership Award
* Chief of Order of de Golden Heart of Kenya
* Grand commander Star of Africa Redemption of Liberia
* 1988: Recipient of de 1988 Roosevelt Institute Freedom of Speech Award
* 1996: Commander of de Order of Mono
* 2006: Common Ground Award recipient, Search for Common Ground
* 2006: Laureate of de Africa Prize for Leadership for de Sustainable End of Hunger, The Hunger Project
* 2006: Distinguished Fellow, Claus M. Halle Institute for Global Learning, Emory University
* 2006 dem award am Honorary Doctor of Laws from Marquette University
* 2006: David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award from Synergos
* 2007: Presidential Medal of Freedom, de highest civilian award wey de United States dey give, U.S. President George W. Bush award to Sirleaf on 5 November 2007
* 2008: Golden Plate Award of de American Academy of Achievement
* 2008: dem award am Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Indiana University, Dartmouth College; den Brown University.
* 2009: dem award am de EITI Award for "the rapid progress the country has made towards implementation of the EITI"
* 2009: dem award am Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from de University of Tampa
* 2010: dem award am Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Yale University den Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey
* 2010: Friend of the Media in Africa Award from The African Editor's Union
* 2011: dem award am Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Harvard University
* 2011: African Gender Award
* 2011: Nobel Peace Prize
* 2012: Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development
* 2014: dem list am as de 70th most powerful woman insyd de world by *Forbes*.
* 2017: dem award am a title insyd de Nigerian chieftaincy system by Eze Samuel Ohiri of Imo, Nigeria. As a result, she now be de **Ada di Ohanma** of Igboland.
* 2017: dem recognize am as one of de BBC's 100 Women of 2017.
* 2018: she win de 2017 version of de Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership
* 2019: Insyd 2019, *Time* create 89 new covers to celebrate women of de year wey dey start from 1920; e choose am for 2006

## Published works
* 
* 
* 
* 

## References


## External links

* Liberia Executive Mansion official government website
* "Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority salutes member Ellen Johnson Sirleaf".
* Biography
* Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Liberia includes final report
* Ellen Johnson Sirleaf collected news and commentary at *[[Forbes]]*
* Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on Twitter (X)
* Ellen Johnson Sirleaf | World Bank Live 
**Speeches**
* Address to US Congress in Joint Session 15 March 2006 (audio archive available)** 
**  (Includes video of the address)
** 
* Sirleaf Speaks at U.S. Institute of Peace (audio archive available)
* Liberian President Speaks to Georgetown Community, 17 October 2006
**Profiles den interviews**
* "Profile: Liberia's 'Iron Lady'" on BBC News Online, 23 November 2005
* "Who Is President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf?" on News Ghana, 1 November 2015
* Top 100 Women in Politics: Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, Ermine Saner, *[[The Guardian]]*, 8 March 2011
* Ellen Johnson Sirleaf on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart** 
* Ellen Johnson Sirleaf interview at the *Freedom Collection*
**  
* WHO timeline of the Ebola outbreak 2014–2016  
* Official page of UNMEER – United Nations Mission for Ebola Emergency Response  
* Time Magazine article: *How We Beat Ebola—and What We Learned*