File photo shows Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf addressing the closing session of the 29th African Union summit in Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, on July 4, 2017. (Xinhua/Chen Cheng)
MONROVIA, Jan. 20 (Xinhua) -- Liberia's outgoing president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has said her parting wish for the country was that the citizens support the new government, respond to its call for action, and civility, and hold it accountable.
In her farewell speech late Friday, Sirleaf urged the citizens to unite and build on the gains of democracy in the country.
"My hope is that you cherish our democracy, participate in it, respect and support its institutions, work together to address the challenges and take pride in our success," the 79-year-old Sirleaf said.
According to her, Liberia had become "one of Africa's enviable democracies" after it punctured the expectations of doubting Thomases, who thought way back in 2006 when she took office, that its new found peace and democratic resurgence would not last.
She said Liberia's democracy was irrevocable, as it binds every future leader of the country to the will of the people.
Sirleaf noted that Liberia today reflects the changing face of the African continent, where rule of law, human rights, good governance, and accountability are demanded by its citizens.
She further urged the citizens to take on more responsibilities for the development of the country.
Sirleaf, Africa's first female elected president, will leave office on Monday after completing her two-term tenure in office.
