Africa’s first female President and a powerful and respected voice in the continent and in international fora, Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, arrives in the capital on September 9 on a five-day state visit.
The visit will mark an important chapter in India’s growing engagement with the African continent. It will be Ms Sirleaf’s first visit to India — she is said to have expressed her eagerness to visit the country. And New Delhi, eager to step up its engagement with a leader who is also seen as an important interlocutor in African affairs, is rolling out the red carpet for her.
It’s the first bilateral visit from the west African nation at this level and New Delhi hopes to sharewith Ms Sirleaf its views on African affairs and Africa-India partnership. New Delhi is also well aware that Ms Sirleaf’s commands respect among African youth and her views on democracy and people’s participation carries weight.
Popularly known as Liberia’s “Iron Lady”, Ms Sirleaf who has championed the cause of gender equality and women’s rights, is also a Nobel peace prize winner. She was conferred the award in 2001 for her “non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for women’s rights to full participation in peace-building work.”
While in the capital, the 75-year-old leader will be conferred the Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development for the year 2012. The prize is being awarded to her for serving as an example and inspiration to women in Africa and beyond and for ensuring the return of peace, democracy and development in Liberia.
The importance of Ms Sirleaf’s visit can be gauged from the fact that no less than nine ministers will be accompanying her.