Former President of Botswana Receives the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership at the BA
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Alexandria—
During a grand international ceremony hosted by the BA on Saturday, 15 November 2008, Festus Mogae, Former President of Botswana, received the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership for the year 2008. Mogae left office last April after spending two five-year terms as President of Botswana.
The Honorary Ceremony was attended by a number of distinguished figures among whom were; Mohamed Ibrahim, Founder of the Prize; Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland and the UN Human Rights Committee; Joaquim Chissano, Former President of Mozambique and First Winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize; Professor Mohamed El-Baradei, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); Kofi Anan, Former Secretary General of the United Nations; Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the BA.
In his speech, the renowned business-man Mohamed Ibrahim stated that the Mo Ibrahim Foundation mission is one of trust and hope since Africa does not only house corrupt leaders but it also home for many great ones, as manifested by the fact that, from its own progeny, it has lent America a leader and savior from the ongoing crisis. Mo Ibrahim added: “Great leaders provide the apt environment wherein Africa`s potential could be fully realized. I believe that Festus Mogae is a worthy recipient of the Prize for his outstanding leadership has made out of Botswana a model for a stable and well-administered state that ensures for its citizens the highest rate of per capita income in Africa.
He also referred to the Ibrahim Index of African Governance which includes a comprehensive classification of South Sahara African countries in terms of governance and guided by 55 criteria focused in five key areas; Safety and Security; Rule of Law, Transparency and Corruption; Participation and Human Rights; Sustainable Economic Development; Human Development.
In his speech, President Mogae said that “Africa is experiencing a period of reform and development and that the states of Mozambique and Botswana are not exceptional since there are more examples of good governance in the African continent. I am full with hope that this Prize will inspire contemporary and future African leaders to govern in the best interest of their citizens.”
“Above all, I would love to thank the people of Botswana who in fact deserve this recognition for if a leader can destroy the fate of a nation irrespective of the talents of its people, it is yet impossible that a leader alone can build a successful and stable state, such as Botswana, without the efforts of its people”, he added.
The Ceremony included performances by renowned African singers whose chanting reflected the diverse aura of Africa, namely Youssou N’Dour, Angelique Kidjo, Siphiwo Ntshebe and Julia Sarr.