Former soccer star George Wear sworn in as Liberia's president

George Weah addresses a frenzied crowd at his inauguration as Liberia's president

In a frenzied, carnival atmosphere in the capital Monrovia, dancing, flag-waving citizens in their thousands witnessed the beleaguered country's first peaceful democratic transition since 1944.

George Weah has kicked off his reign as Liberia president.  For his inauguration he wore long white robes and a green sash.

The new president with the outgoing president

After he was sworn in as president by the chief justice of the Supreme Court, Francis Korkpor, the new Liberian leader spoke. Said he,

"I have spent many years of my life in stadiums, but today is a feeling like no other,"

The new president continued, "I fully believe that the overwhelming mandate that I received from the Liberian people is a mandate to end corruption in public service; I promise to deliver on this mandate.

"As officials of government it is time to put the interest of our people above our own selfish interests. It is time to be honest with our people."

"I do not promise you quick fixes or miracles, instead my pledge to you today is that my administration, with your help, will make steady and deliver progress toward achieving the hopes and aspirations that you cherish in your heart for Mama Liberia."

Weah urged the public to show solidarity for the tasks that lay ahead, adding: "United, we are certain to succeed as a nation, divided we are certain to fall."

51-year-old Weah who was once the greatest footballer in the world, is taking over from Nobel laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf who spent 12 years guiding Liberia through the aftermath of a bloody civil war.

Expectations are sky-high among Liberians who believe the new leader will now deliver on his promises of jobs and better schools.

Attendees included footballers like Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto'o, centre

The new president, who is relatively new to politics despite previously running for president, inherits a weak economy along with poor health and educational sectors.

President of Sierra Leone Ernest Bai Koroma (left) President of Ghana Nana Akufo-Addo (centre) and Senegal's President Macky Sall are seen during the inauguration