George Weah, former international football star and winner of FIFA's world player of the year, is hailed as a hero in Liberia where he has become the country's 24th president.
After the country's first peaceful, democratic transition of power in 47 years, thousands packed the Samuel Doe football stadium in Monrovia to see Weah's inauguration.
'I have spent many years of my life in stadiums but today is a feeling like no other,' Weah, dressed in white, told the ecstatic crowd. 'I have taken an oath before you and before almighty God. Rest assured I will not let you down.'
After running twice before in 2005 and 2011, Weah praised the young people and women who drive the country's economy.
'This victory would not have been possible without the youth of this country, the women of this country who made their living selling in the market,' Weah said.
'This is your government.'
Christians make up around 75 per cent of Liberia's population with another 20 per cent Muslim.
As Weah started appointing his cabinet this week, the Association of Evangelicals of Liberia urged the new president to form an 'inclusive government by recruiting qualified Liberians from all walks of life, regardless of their gender, political, religious, or tribal background to be part of the new government'.
In a statement the lobby group told Weah that 'corruption', 'nepotism' and 'impunity' must end and called on him to look for 'servants that have love for the country, who are honest, have tested and proven character'.
'Basic social services such as electricity, water, quality roads, good and quality healthcare, and improvement in the learning conditions at schools and universities' should also be a top priority, Samuel K Monwell, the president of the body representing most evangelical churches of the country said, according to Evangelical Focus.
'We are prepared to collaborate with the newly elected government in striving to achieve a better and prosperous Liberia.'
