$5 Million Prize Established for Outgoing African Presidents Committed to Democracy
November 7, 2006
As seen in the New York Times

The New York Times reports that Sudanese billionaire Mo Ibrahim has pledged a $5 million prize “for the sub-Saharan African president who on leaving office has demonstrated the greatest commitment to democracy and good governance.”  The “Mo Ibrahim Award for Achievement in African Leadership” will be delivered through the Mo Ibrahim foundation “as soon as next year,” but only if there is a deserving candidate.  Despite pledging up to $18 million a year, foundation board member Mary Robinson is quoted as saying “the prize need not be awarded every year.” 

An unnamed panel will evaluate the African leaders upon leaving office based on an index created by Harvard University’s Robert Rotberg which deals with “leaders’ success in offering their people security, a rule of law, economic opportunity and political freedoms.”  Leaders considered must have been elected through free and fair elections, and left office in a manner in accordance with the constitution. 

The primary intent of the award was to encourage the “Big Man” political leaders to step down from power in a peaceful manner, offering incentive for governing in accordance to democratic norms.  Unlike western democracies many African leaders lose their power and economic stature after peacefully relinquishing power.  The article claims that many African leaders “cannot even afford to rent an apartment” after they leave office, while ex-leaders in the west often move on to lucrative careers. 

Mr. Ibrahim hopes that this award will work towards resolving one of Africa’s real problems “bad leadership and governance.”  According to the New York Times Nelson Mandela has expressed his support for the prize, saying “This is an African initiative celebrating the successes of new African leadership.”