Why Africa owes a debt of gratitude to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf | CNN

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Why Africa owes a debt of gratitude to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Published 8:54 AM EDT, Tue October 10, 2017
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Liberian anti-riot policemen take part in an exercise in Monrovia on October 9, 2017, on the eve of the country's presidential elections. Liberians go to the polls on October 10, 2017, to pick their first new president in 12 years as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf closes the page on two terms dominated by post-war reconstruction and the Ebola crisis.
Liberian anti-riot policemen take part in an exercise in Monrovia on October 9, 2017, on the eve of the country's presidential elections. Liberians go to the polls on October 10, 2017, to pick their first new president in 12 years as Ellen Johnson Sirleaf closes the page on two terms dominated by post-war reconstruction and the Ebola crisis.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
People take part in an Episcopal Church peace marathon in Monrovia on October 9, 2017, on the eve of the country's presidential elections.
People take part in an Episcopal Church peace marathon in Monrovia on October 9, 2017, on the eve of the country's presidential elections.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Nobel peace laureate Leymah Gbowee (R), head of the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET), greets members of the group in Monrovia on October 5, 2017. Dressed in identical printed skirts, 100 Liberian women knelt in prayer after another long day in three weeks of fasting, asking once again that Liberia be spared from violence.
Nobel peace laureate Leymah Gbowee (R), head of the Women in Peacebuilding Network (WIPNET), greets members of the group in Monrovia on October 5, 2017. Dressed in identical printed skirts, 100 Liberian women knelt in prayer after another long day in three weeks of fasting, asking once again that Liberia be spared from violence.
ZOOM DOSSO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate Alexander Cummings arrive on a motorcycle to attend a campaign rally in Monrovia on October 7, 2017, three days ahead of the country's elections.
Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate Alexander Cummings arrive on a motorcycle to attend a campaign rally in Monrovia on October 7, 2017, three days ahead of the country's elections.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
A man gestures as former international Liberian football star turned politician, George Weah supporters attend a presidential campaign rally in Monrovia on October 6, 2017.
A man gestures as former international Liberian football star turned politician, George Weah supporters attend a presidential campaign rally in Monrovia on October 6, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of former international Liberian football star turned politician, George Weah take part in a presidential campaign rally in Monrovia on October 6, 2017.
Supporters of former international Liberian football star turned politician, George Weah take part in a presidential campaign rally in Monrovia on October 6, 2017.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate Alexander Cummings arrive atop a car to attend a campaign rally in Monrovia on October 7 2017, three days ahead of the country's elections.
Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate Alexander Cummings arrive atop a car to attend a campaign rally in Monrovia on October 7 2017, three days ahead of the country's elections.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate Alexander Cummings arrive atop a car to attend a campaign rally in Monrovia on October 7, 2017, three days ahead of the country's elections.
Supporters of Liberian presidential candidate Alexander Cummings arrive atop a car to attend a campaign rally in Monrovia on October 7, 2017, three days ahead of the country's elections.
ISSOUF SANOGO/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf speaking on  stage at The Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards on September 19, 2017.<br />The event honored outstanding individuals who are accelerating progress towards the UN's Global Goals.
President of Liberia Ellen Johnson Sirleaf speaking on stage at The Goalkeepers Global Goals Awards on September 19, 2017.
The event honored outstanding individuals who are accelerating progress towards the UN's Global Goals.
Monica Schipper/Getty Images North America/Getty Images for Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

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