For the second year running, the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) says there is no winner for the 2016 Prize for Achievement in African leadership. The award which is worth $5 million recognizes and celebrates African executive leaders who, under challenging circumstances, have developed their countries and strengthened democracy and human rights for the shared benefit of their people, paving the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity.
The Chairman of the independent Prize Committee, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim said ‘‘As I emphasize each year, a very high bar was deliberately set when the Prize was launched in 2006. We recognize and applaud the important contributions that many African leaders have made to change their countries for the better. But the Prize is intended to highlight and celebrate truly exceptional leadership, which is uncommon by its very definition. After careful consideration, the Committee has decided not to award the Prize in 2016.”
The candidates for the Ibrahim Prize are all former African executive Heads of State or Government who have exited their office between 2014 and 2016. In addition to this, these ex-leaders have been democratically elected and served their constitutionally mandated term.
Since the award was launched in 2006, the Ibrahim Prize has been awarded four times. The former winners include President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia (2014), President Pedro Pires of Cabo Verde (2011), President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008), and President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007). Nelson Mandela was the inaugural Honorary Laureate in 2007.
Again No Winner For The $5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize For Ex-African Leaders .
