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            Namibia's Pohamba First Ibrahim Prize Winner Since 2011

   by VOA News

   For the first time since 2011, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation on Monday gave
   out its award for excellence in African leadership, highlighting the
   work of outgoing Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba with a $5
   million prize.

   Pohamba has led Namibia since 2005 and won a second term in 2009 as the
   country enjoyed political stability.

   The prize committee praised the president for "wise and sound
   leadership" and the promotion of democracy during his tenure.

   "Namibia's reputation has been cemented as a well-governed, stable and
   inclusive democracy with strong media freedom and respect for human
   rights," said Salim Ahmed Salim, the head of the committee.

   The committee will pay Pohamba the $5 million over the course of 10
   years, then give him an additional $200,000 per year after that.

   The award is given to an African leader who was elected democratically,
   excels in office and then leaves office when his or her term is
   completed.

   Term limits prevented Pohamba from running again last November. Prime
   Minister Hage Geingob of the president's South West People's
   Organization won the vote and will take over later this month.

   Namibia benefits from major diamond and uranium reserves, but its
   citizens suffer from a high poverty rate. Critics have accused the
   government of corruption and being slow in carrying out land reform.

   Past prize winners include former Mozambique President Joaquim Chissano
   in 2007, former Botswana President Festus Mogae in 2008 and former Cape
   Verde President Pedro Pires in 2011. There was no award in 2009, 2010,
   2012 or 2013.

   In 2012, Mo Ibrahim, the British-Sudanese businessman who created the
   foundation, said the committee chose not to give out the award because
   it did not want to compromise its standards.
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   [1]http://www.voanews.com/content/namibia-pohamba-first-ibrahim-prize-w
   inner-since-2011/2664240.html

References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/namibia-pohamba-first-ibrahim-prize-winner-since-2011/2664240.html