Liberia president helped from podium at inauguration

Boakai then paused during his speech and aides rushed to his side and fanned him.

He resumed his speech a few minutes later but paused again.

Some of Joseph Boakai's opponents have raised concerns about his age and energy. (EPA PHOTO)

The ceremony was curtailed and aides helped him walk away from the podium, Reuters reporters at the scene said.

Boakai's representative said he had no immediate comment.

Some of Boakai's opponents had raised concerns about his age and energy during election campaigning but his team dismissed the criticism.