Mo Ibrahim Foundation

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The Mo Ibrahim Foundation was launched by the mobile communications entrepreneur, Mo Ibrahim. Ibrahim is member of the board, along with Lalla Ben Barka, Simon Dallas Cairns, Mamphela Ramphele, Mary Robinson, Salim Ahmed Salim, and Nicholas Ulanov.[1]

Contents

[edit] Goals

The stated aims of the foundation are to:[2]

  • Stimulate debate on good governance across sub-Saharan Africa and the world
  • Provide objective criteria by which citizens can hold their Governments to account
  • Recognise achievement in African leadership and provide a practical way in which African leaders can build positive legacies on the continent when they have left office

[edit] Prize for Achievement in African Leadership

In 2006, the foundation launched the Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. The prize is awarded to African heads of state who deliver security, health, education and economic development to their constituents, and who democratically transfer power to their successor.[3] According to Ibrahim, "Good governance is crucial."[4] With a $5 million initial payment, plus $200,000 a year for life, the prize is believed to be the world's largest, exceeding the $1.3m Nobel Peace Prize.[5] Former South African President Nelson Mandela, former United States President Bill Clinton, and former United Nations Secretary General Kofi Annan are among those who have welcomed the initiative.[5]

The inaugural Prize was awarded to former president Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, for "his role in leading Mozambique from conflict to peace and democracy."[6]

[edit] Ibrahim Index of African Governance

In 2007, the foundation published an index ranking the performance of the 48 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. The countries are graded on factors such as security, levels of corruption, and respect for human rights. The index was developed by Ibrahim along with Kennedy School of Government professors Robert I. Rotberg and Rachel Gisselquist. Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Botswana were ranked first, second, and third, respectively, while Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Somalia held the third lowest, second lowest, and lowest places respectively. Ibrahim's home country, Sudan, was placed fourth lowest.[7]

The Economist noted that island countries seemed to do better than their counterparts on the mainland.[7]

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Mo Ibrahim Foundation Board. Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-10-23.
  2. ^ Welcome to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Retrieved on 2007-10-23.
  3. ^ "Mandela backs $5m award for leaders", Mail & Guardian, Guardian Newspapers Limited, 2006-10-26. Retrieved on 2007-09-29. 
  4. ^ "Interview with Mo Ibrahim, founder and former Chairman of Celtel", Jeune Afrique, via Celtel.com, Groupe Jeune Afrique. Retrieved on 2007-09-29. 
  5. ^ a b "Prize offered to Africa's leaders", BBC News, 2006-10-26. Retrieved on 2007-09-29. 
  6. ^ "Mozambique ex-leader wins prize", BBC News, 2007-10-22. Retrieved on 2007-10-22. 
  7. ^ a b "It's better to be out to sea", The Economist, The Economist Newspaper Limited, 2007-09-29. Retrieved on 2007-09-29.