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Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took power in Liberia in January 2006 after decades of war, violence and state coups and became the first woman elected head of state in Africa.
In 2011, she was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize alongside Liberian colleague Leymah Gbowee and Yemeni activist Tawakkol Karman for her contribution to peace in Liberia and her work for women's rights.
She has been praised for her work at home and abroad, but her legacy in Liberia is eclipsed by accusations of nepotism and corruption.
When asked why, after pledging in 2005 to fight corruption, his government had taken no action against some 20 ministers accused of corruption by an independent monitoring body, Sirleaf had replied that it was "because our system is like that".
"If you really want to understand Liberia, you have to go a step further.You must understand our culture, our values, our systems and how to manage it.This is not always enough to make a lot of noise. subject., "she added.
When asked why she had appointed members of her family, including one of her sons, to positions of responsibility in the government hierarchy, she replied that it was because She needed a "specialized skill".
She denied accusations that her son, Robert Sirleaf, would be involved in the collapse of the Liberian national oil company. millions of dollars.
The former president also defended her record in prosecuting war crimes in Liberia. She was criticized for ignoring the recommendations of the Liberia Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
"Truth and reconciliation have gone to court, they have been abandoned, they have turned into a hut in Palava, this process has begun … so I do not care what you say," she said. told UpFront.
Headliner this week, former Liberian president and Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
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