Presidents of Liberia

Below are notable presidents of Liberia in chronological order, with the years each served and a brief summary.

Amos Sawyer

Served: 1990–1994

Led the Interim Government of National Unity during the first civil war.

David Kpormakpor

Served: 1994–1995

Chaired the transitional Council of State from March 1994 to September 1995.

Wilton Sankawulo

Served: 1995–1996

Professor who chaired the Council of State for one year.

Ruth Perry

Served: 1996–1997

Chaired the Council of State and was Liberia's first female head of state.

Charles Taylor

Served: 1997–2003

Former rebel leader elected in 1997 who resigned in August 2003.

Moses Blah

Served: 2003

Vice president who took over when Taylor resigned and served until October 2003.

Gyude Bryant

Served: 2003–2006

Chairman of the National Transitional Government until the 2005 election result took effect.

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Served: 2006–2018

Africa's first elected female head of state; served two terms.

George Weah

Served: 2018–2024

Former international football star who won the 2017 election.

Joseph Boakai

Served: 2024–present

Vice president under Sirleaf who was sworn in as president on 22 January 2024.

Sources: Archontology.org, Liberia: Heads of State (1980–2024); Wikipedia, President of Liberia (checked Nov 2026). Shows the 10 most recent heads of state, including transitional leaders.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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