NIGER PRESIDENT WINS 2020 MO IBRAHIM PRIZE FOR AFRICAN LEADERSHIP

Niger President, Mahamadou Issoufou, was awarded the 2020 Mo Ibrahim prize on Monday for excellence in African leadership.

According to Festus Mogae, the Chairman of the prize committee,

“In the face of the most severe political and economic issues, including violent extremism and increasing desertification, President Mahamadou Issoufou has led his people on a path of progress.

Today, the number of Nigeriens living below the poverty line has fallen to 40%, from 48% a decade ago. While challenges remain, Issoufou has kept his promises to the Nigerien people and paved the way for a better future.”

The Mo Ibrahim award, worth $5million USD to be paid over over ten years is given to former African executive head of state or government, who was democratically elected, served his/her constitutionally mandated term and demonstrated exceptional leadership.

Mahamadou Issoufou who has served two five-year terms as the President of Niger from 2011 to 2020 is the sixth recipient of the award. He will be stepping down next month as the president of Niger.