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Johnson Sirleaf Wins Africa's $5M Mo Ibrahim Leadership Prize

by VOA News

   Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the former president of Liberia, has been
   awarded the $5 million [1]Mo Ibrahim prize which recognizes excellence
   in African leadership.

   Johnson Sirleaf stepped down from office last month, the first
   democratic transition of power in Liberia since 1944. The Nobel Peace
   Prize laureate was Africa's first female elected head of state. She
   served two six-year terms, but was not eligible to run again for the
   office, according to Liberia's constitution.

   Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, the chair of the prize committee said in
   announcing the award that Johnson Sirleaf "took the helm of Liberia
   when it was completely destroyed by civil war and led a process of
   reconciliation that focused on building a nation and its democratic
   institutions." He added that "Such a journey cannot be without some
   shortcomings," but nevertheless Johnson Sirleaf "laid the foundations
   on which Liberia can now build."

   Linda Thomas-Greenfield, a former U.S. ambassador to Liberia, said
   Johnson Sirleaf "left the country in a much better state than she found
   it," adding there is "still a lot of work to be done."

   The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was founded by Sudanese telecom tycoon Mo
   Ibrahim who said upon learning that Johnson Sirleaf had been awarded
   the prize: "I am proud to see the first woman Ibrahim Laureate, and I
   hope Ellen Johnson Sirleaf will continue to inspire women in Africa and
   beyond."

   The $5 million prize is handed out over 10 years with another $200,000
   annually throughout the winner's lifetime.

   James Butty contributed to this report.

References

   1. http://mo.ibrahim.foundation/prize/