The inauguration of Joseph Boakai as the new Liberian President today, January 22, came to an abrupt end when he suddenly suffered a “heat stroke” while reading his inaugural speech.
The 79-year-old had taken the oath of office but mid-way into his inaugural speech, he stuttered to a halt.
It was not immediately clear whether the ceremony would continue after he was taken away.
The inauguration ceremony, held on Capitol Hill in Monrovia, the country’s capital city, was attended by various foreign leaders, including Vice President Kashim Shettima of Nigeria; Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo and Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Diplomatic delegations from other countries such as the United States were also present.