Nottingham connected
in Liberia for almost the duration of her tenure, she
did what she was expected to do. But an exceptional
leader would have done more.’
Akum highlights several flaws in her government –
for one, the failure to sustain significant economic
growth, which now hovers at less than 3%, although
this was complicated by sluggish global commodity
prices and the Ebola outbreak. He also lists the
endemic nepotism and corruption that characterised
her administration, as well as her reluctance to
decentralise government functions, concentrating
power in the presidency.
Ebola in particular challenged her governance
credentials: although she deserves credit for
ultimately defeating the epidemic, it was Liberia’s
poor health system that allowed it to flourish.
It is also worth remembering that in 2009, Liberia’s
Truth and Reconciliation Commission – established
to examine abuses committed during the civil war –
recommended that Johnson Sirleaf be banned from
politics for her early support of former president
Charles Taylor. Taylor was subsequently convicted of
war crimes by an international tribunal.
It is these issues that have defined her legacy in
Liberia itself, argues Akum – in contrast to her
glowing reputation outside the country. ‘There is a
stark difference between how Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
is perceived by Liberians and by the international
community. The international community has a
way in which they uphold her, as Africa’s first female
president, who led the country out of civil war. But
when you talk to Liberians, they are a lot more critical
Community
21
and expected a lot more from her.’
Not that Johnson Sirleaf’s legacy is necessarily set in
stone. The Ibrahim Prize comes with a cash bonus in
excess of $5 million. This gives the former president
the financial freedom to determine the shape and
nature of her post-presidency contribution. How
she conducts herself now that she’s out of the
political spotlight may ultimately say more about her
leadership and values than her two terms in office.
Johnson Sirleaf may not be quite as ‘exceptional’
as the award of the prestigious Ibrahim Prize may
suggest. But it’s not too late for her to try.
Simon Allison is ISS Consultant. Originally
published in Institute for Security Studies (ISS)
website – www.issafrica.org Disclaimer: Simon Allison
worked as Communications Officer for the Mo Ibrahim
Foundation from 2009-2011.