However, Ibrahim, and quite a few other during the two presidential terms that he ‘whose persuasive skills are legendary’,
powerful African voices, such as Nelson served was guided by his commitment to has succeeded in getting both sides of the
Mandela, Koffi Annan and other ex-leaders rebuild his country after many years of civil northern Ugandan confl ict to renew their
like Tony Blair and Bill Clinton welcomed war. Chissano was not after a golden carrot ceasefi re and resume peace talks.
the initiative without any reservation. but after making a difference in his people’s
Nelson Mandela said, “ “It is appropriate lives. Building peace and democracy was People’s opinion are hugely divided over
that this will be the largest prize in the his driving force, not monetary incentive. the Mo Ibrahim award. Many call it nothing
world. Nothing is more important. The more than a bribe, or that the bribe is small
prize will recognise African leaders for Former United Nations secretary general fry really, when compared to the much
their accomplishments and provide the Kofi Annan, who chaired the committee, larger sums of money that some African
platform from which they can engage civil said, “The prize celebrates more than just leaders are able to plunder whilst in offi ce.
society and build on their achievements. good governance. It celebrates leadership;
This is an African initiative celebrating the ability to formulate a vision and to Others proclaim that leaders should rule
the successes of new African leadership. convince others of that vision.” well per se, because they have been put
It sets an example that the rest of the in a position of trust and responsibility, not
because of a forthcoming award and should
therefore conduct their affairs in a manner
expected from such a role.
Mo Ibrahim is an African mind to be celebrated. His initiative of reward-
ing African leaders who have governed well will go a long way in shaping posi-
tive leadership on the continent. His idea could not have come at a better time.
But how many leaders in the world, in any
fi eld, do not govern themselves and others
The punitive measures of waging war, criminally charging and sometimes execut- properly? We could venture millions, taking
ing the plunderous and dictatorial sons of Africa did little to check their activities.
into account the mess the world is in today.
They have caused untold grief and cost the continent precious resources needed
The world’s eyes are unavoidably watching
for its development.
a president in offi ce, quick to condemn any
Anything positive, directed towards a cause affecting many lives, deserves
faux-pas. But in the privacy of our own
unreserved support. We definitely need to think of other similar positive steps
lives, each one of us president of our own
to re-enforce Ibrahim’s initiative. Where leaders set their eyes on, leaders take
existence, could we say without a doubt,
their people; and Africa has not gone beyond the sight of its leaders yet. Leaders
that we are performing as well as Joachim
need to change their sight, and maybe it is also time for the world to change the
Chissano has done during his term? And
way we are helping the sight of these leaders. could we be humble enough to admit that
Pius Seguya, Community activist, Uganda
we have at times been less then honest, that
we have abused the trust invested in us and
that we have sometimes torn people down
world can emulate.” He added, “Mr Chissano was a powerful instead of building them up?
voice for Africa on the international stage
Choosing Chissano as the recipient of and played an important role in pushing Congratulations to Joachim Chissano for
the very fi rst Mo Ibrahim award was not debt relief up the agenda.” winning the award and let us hope that his
done lightly. The selection process was genuine leadership qualities - and not the 5
based on extensive research made at the Further credit was given to the genuine million dollars - will be an inspiration for
Kennedy School of Government at Harvard leadership qualities that Chissano displayed all other African leaders in offi ce today. The
University, using new indices to capture as president and ex-president when London- future will tell.
P
objectively good governance and monitor based foreign affairs think tank Chatham
progress. House awarded him its annual prize in by Isabelle Gravenstein
September last year for his contribution to
We should remember that the good international relations. Since voluntarily
governance that Joaquim Chissano practiced stepping down of offi ce, Chissano,
www.thepromota.co.uk THEPROMOTA | 35
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