Local News

Liberia's president arrives in Dar

President Jakaya Kikwete (right) with President Ellen Johnson Sir-Leaf of Liberia.

LIBERIAN President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf arrived in Tanzania  on Tuesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of President Jakaya Kikwete.

The plane carrying Ms Sirleaf, with registration number NS 287 DL, landed at Terminal One of the Julius Nyerere International Airport few minutes to 03:00 where she was received by her host President Kikwete.

Soon after landing, the first elected female head of state in Africa was led to a podium and received a 21-gun salute as national anthems of the two countries were being played by the brass band of the armed forces.   

The visiting head of state then proceeded to inspect a guard mounted in her honour by the armed forces. She later had an opportunity to watch traditional dances by different groups.

Mr Kikwete was accompanied by Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Mr Mahadhi Juma Maalim, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Davis Mwamunyange and Dar es Salaam Regional Commissioner, Mr Said Meck Sadick.

According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Ms Sirleaf was expected to meet and hold talks with President Kikwete. The visiting president attended a state banquet at the State House on Tuesday evening.

on Wednesday, she is expected to launch an office for the African Leaders Malaria Alliance (ALMA). The alliance is made of African Heads of State and Government working to end malaria-related deaths.

Later during the day, Ms Sirleaf would be delivering a public lecture at the University of Dar es Salaam (UDSM) titled; "The Role of Women in African Development."

The Nobel laureate is also expected on her third and last day visit, to make a tour at the mosquito nests manufacturing plant in Arusha namely A to Z and she would leave the country on the same day.

Dr Sirleaf was elected President of Liberia in the 2005 presidential election and took office on January 16, 2006 and thus became the first elected female head of state in Africa. She successfully ran for re-election last year.

She was awarded the 2011 Nobel Peace Prize, jointly with Leymah Gbowee of Liberia and Tawakel Karman of Yemen. The women were recognized "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women's rights to full participation in peace-building work."