The former president of Niger, Mahamadou Issoufou was awarded, Friday in Nairobi, the Mo-Ibrahim 2021 prize, which awards an “exceptional governance” in Africa.
This prize will allow Mahamadou Issoufou to receive 5 million dollars, paid over ten years, then an annual living allowance of 200,000 Dollars.
Mahamadou Issoufou, who presided over Niger for 10 years, was rewarded for his positive record in favor of Niger’s economic growth and for his respect for the democratic transition.
In his speech, the former Nigerian president also expressed his concern about the various crises affecting the African continent, mentioning the state coups and the ongoing crisis in Sudan.
Former Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, was recently awarded the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s 2020 African Leadership Prize, recognizing his exceptional career and leadership in the continent. The award ceremony, which was postponed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was attended by senior officials, including Kenyan President William Ruto, the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, and Moussa Faki.
The Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s African Leadership Prize is awarded to former African heads of state or government who have demonstrated exceptional leadership in their countries and played a significant role in promoting sustainable development and democratic governance. Since its inception in 2007, only six former African presidents have been awarded the prize.
Jonathan, who served as Nigeria’s president from 2010 to 2015, was recognized for his contribution to promoting democracy, stability, and economic development in Nigeria. Under his leadership, Nigeria experienced significant economic growth, particularly in the agricultural sector, and successfully transitioned from military rule to democratic governance. He also played a critical role in mediating peace negotiations and resolving conflicts in several African countries.