Chissano Accepts the First Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, in a Ceremony at the BA
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Alexandria—
The BA hosted the international ceremony honoring Joaquim Chissano, former President of Mozambique as the first winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership on Monday, 26 November 2007. The ceremony, presented by Angélique Kidjo, Beninese singer and songwriter, was attended by 400 political leaderships, academia, media men, and civil society representatives, in addition to distinguished international leaderships including Kofi Anan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Chair of the Prize Committee; Mohamed Fathi Ibrahim, the renowned Sudanese businessman and Founder of the Prize; Alcinda António, Foreign Minister of Mozambique; Patrick G. Pillay, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Seychelles; and Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland.
At the outset of the ceremony, a short documentary was presented on the Ancient Library of Alexandria, the Revival project, the role of the New Library, and its research centers and museums. Following the film, Dr. Ismail Serageldin, Director of the Library of Alexandria, gave an address in which he welcomed the BA eminent guests including Prize Laureate Joaquim Chissano and praised Mo Ibrahim's efforts in promoting good governance and leadership in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Mo Ibrahim took the floor, thanked Dr. Ismail Serageldin, the BA staff, and Mo Ibrahim Foundation staff and described the BA as a "splendid" place. Mo Ibrahim spoke about the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, its Board of Trustees, objectives, and the purpose of the Mo Ibrahim Prize. He stated that the Mo Ibrahim Foundation is an African initiative established to stimulate debate on good governance across sub-Saharan Africa and the world; to provide objective criteria by which citizens can hold their governments to account; and to recognize achievement in African leadership and provide a practical way in which African leaders can build positive legacies on the continent when they leave office.
A video of the South African Leader Nelson Mandela was presented, in which he thanked Mo Ibrahim and his Foundation, congratulated Joaquim Chissano, and praised the BA, as the venue chosen to honor the first illustrious winner of the Mo Ibrahim prize.
Following the Senegalese Youssou N'Dour performance, Kofi Annan, former Secretary-General of the United Nations, and Chair of the Prize Committee gave an address in which he lauded Mo Ibrahim's efforts to highlight positive exemplars. He stated that although Africa needs the support of the international community, the Black Continent carries out the major role in sustaining human, economic, and political progress.
On selecting Chissano as the first winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, Annan stated that leading Mozambique from conflict to peace and democracy was President Chissano's most outstanding contribution.
He also commended President Chissano for his “major contribution outside his country’s borders”.
Kofi Annan presented a video-recorded message by former USA President Bill Clinton, in which Clinton stressed the importance of governance in all countries, and how it acquires special importance in Africa, as all African leaders face a great challenge in achieving peace and prosperity for their nations.
Following Clinton's video, Annan awarded former President Chisano the Prize's medal. Chissano took the floor, expressed his profound thanks to the Prize Committee of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation for choosing him as the first Winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, and commended Mo Ibrahim for his vision in establishing the prize.
President Chissano spoke about his leadership as President of Mozambique in 1986, while the country was facing a war of destabilization, devastating the country and its people. On his achievements, he spoke about the Economic Rehabilitation Program, which he introduced in 1987, to stimulate economic growth and transform the society; the constitutional reform debates that he led in 1989 which ended successfully in 1990; the peace agreement between the Government and Renamo (rebels) which was signed in 1992; the rehabilitation, modernization and expansion of infrastructure; and giving priority to agricultural production to boost the economy. On his decision to leave office, he added that in spite of the fact that the Mozambican Constitution allowed him to run for a third term during the 2004 presidential elections, he decided not to seek a third mandate three years before the elections to allow the country to prepare itself for a peaceful transition.
He added that he continues to support the political, social and economic development of the nation, through the Joaquim Chissano Foundation, which was launched in November 2005. In conclusion, Chissano vowed to use the Mo Ibrahim Prize to promote good governance in a continent that is changing rapidly for the better.
The ceremony was concluded by a concert featuring Youssou N’Dour, the renowned Senegalese Singer; Salif Keita, Malian pop Singer and Songwriter; Angélique Kidjo, Beninese Singer and Songwriter; and Mohamed Mounir, Egyptian Singer.
Click here for the full text of Joaquim Chissano’s acceptance speech.