Namibia's President wins Mo Ibrahim award for good governance

Outgoing Namibian President Hifikepunye Pohamba is the winner of the 2014 Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

The Ibrahim Prize encourages leaders, who fully dedicate their tenure of office to surmount the development challenges of their countries, improving the livelihoods and welfare of their people and consolidating the foundation for sustainable development.

He follows in the footprints of past African leaders like Cabo Verde's former president Pedro Pires who won the prize in 2011; Festus Mogae of Botswana who got it in 2008 and Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique who received it in 2007.

There were no winners in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013.

The Ibrahim Prize is a 5 million U.S. dollar award paid over 10 years and 200,000 U.S. dollars annually for life thereafter.

The Mo Ibrahim Foundation will consider granting a further 200, 000 per year for 10 years towards public interest activities and good causes espoused by the Ibrahim Laureate.

The announcement was made by Salim Ahmed Salim Monday in Nairobi, Kenya at a conference attended by the diplomatic community, civil society representatives and the media.

Salim is the current chair of the Prize Committee.

"President Pohamba's focus in forging national cohesion and reconciliation at a key stage of Namibia's consolidation of democracy and social and economic development impressed the Prize Committee," Salim said.

"His ability to command the confidence and the trust of his people is exemplary. During the decade of his Presidential mandate, he demonstrated sound and wise leadership. At the same time, he maintained his humility throughout his Presidency," Salim said.

He further said during the decade of Pohamba's presidency, Namibia's reputation has been cemented as a well-governed, stable and inclusive democracy with strong media freedom and respect for human rights.

The founder of the foundation, Mo Ibrahim, said he was pleased that the Prize Committee has selected Pohamba as the winner.

"He has served his country since its independence and his leadership has renewed his people's trust in democracy. His legacy is that of strengthened institutions through the various initiatives introduced during his tenure in office. He is a role model for the continent," Ibrahim said. Endi