Former Namibian president Pohamba wins leadership prize

Former Namibian president Hifikepunye Lucas Pohamba received the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership at a music-filled ceremony in Accra, Ghana.

The ceremony was part of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s Governance Weekend, which includes a Forum dedicated to Urban Issues, a concert of African musicians expected to draw tens of thousands in Independence Square on Saturday 21 November, and a football match between Ghana All-Stars and TP Mazembe from the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday 22 November.

As part of the Forum, the Foundation sponsored a photo completion called “Snapping Cities”

Welcoming the audience to the Governance Weekend, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama emphasized his country’s dedication to democracy and human rights.

Mo Ibrahim, Founder and Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, addressed the former laureates, diplomats and African thought leaders on his signature issues of promoting good governance and a new generation of leaders, agricultural investment, and economic integration. He also scolded some African leaders whom he said made easy political points by ostracizing homosexuals.

Pohamba served as Head of State of Namibia from 2005 to 2015. He won the 2004 election overwhelmingly as the candidate of SWAPO, the ruling party, and he was re-elected in the 2009 election.

Reading the award citation, Salim Salim, former Prime Minister of Tanzania and the Prize Committee chair, noted that Pohamba was awarded the fourth Ibrahim Prize for his role in maintaining his country’s stability and prosperity and for forging national cohesion and reconciliation at a key stage of Namibia’s consolidation of democracy and social and economic development. The Prize also recognised his contribution in cementing Namibia’s reputation as a well-governed, stable and inclusive democracy with strong media freedom and respect for human rights.

The Ibrahim Prize celebrates excellence in African leadership. It is awarded to a former Executive Head of State or Government by an independent Prize Committee. Previous Laureates include Presidents Joaquim Chissano (2007, Mozambique), Festus Mogae (2008, Botswana) and Pedro Pires (2011, Cabo Verde. The 2007 Honorary Ibrahim Laureate was given to President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela.

For his part, Pohamba accepted the award on behalf of the Namibian people, who support democratic institutions. He repeated his call for all African leaders to abide by their constitutions and not usurp power.

Hadeel Ibrahim, Executive Director, Mo Ibrahim Foundation, addressed her work on the UN Secretary-General’s High-Level Panel on humanitarian financing.

The evening included musical performances from Mayra Andrade from Cape Verde, Rex Omar from Ghana and ended in exuberance as Angelique Kidjo led the crowd in her trademark hit saluting Africa.