Niger: Mahamadou Issoufou wins African leadership award

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Former Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou won the Mohamed Ibrahim Prize for his achievements in African leadership, for his work in promoting economic progress and his association with regional efforts to quell the threat from Islamist militants.

The former Nigerien head of state, Mahamadou Issoufou, this year won the Mohamed Ibrahim Prize of 5 million dollars (2.7 billion FCFA), for his achievements in African leadership, for his work in promoting economic progress and its association with regional efforts to quell the threat from Islamist militants.

Mahamadou Issoufou was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in 2016. He resigned after serving two terms, unlike other African leaders such as Guinean Alpha Condé, Ivorian Alassane Dramane Ouattara and Uganda Yoweri Museveni, who made constitutional changes to seek an additional term.

Festus Mogae, president of the awards committee and former president of the Botswana said, In the face of the most serious political and economic problems, including violent extremism and increasing desertification, President Mahamadou Issoufou has led his people on the path of progress.

The number of Nigeriens living below the poverty line has fallen to 40% from 48% a decade ago, Mogae said that the country has also made progress in improving opportunities for women.

Mahamadou Issoufou is succeeded by the former Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Bazoum, who won the presidential election in February.

He said in a tweet that the award honors all the Nigerien people. I consider this award as an encouragement to continue to think and act in such a way as to promote democratic values ​​and good governance, not only in Niger, but in Africa and in the world.

The now former Nigerien President is the sixth African head of state to win the award, which is awarded over 10 years. The award is founded by telecommunications mogul Mohamed Ibrahim.