5 reasons Niger President Issoufou won N1.905bn Mo Ibrahim Prize

The announcement of Nigerien President Mahamadou Issoufou as the 2020 winner of the $5m (N1.905 billion) Ibrahim prize for African leadership is prompting a look back at why he won it.

Issoufou is the sixth recipient of the Ibrahim Prize of excellence in African leadership.

Here are five top reasons that got him the win.

1 – President Issoufou had provided exceptional leadership to his country by fostering economic growth, after inheriting one of the world’s poorest economies that faced seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Under his administration, the number of Nigeriens living below the poverty line has fallen to 40%, from 48% a decade ago.

2 – President Issoufou’s unwavering commitment to regional stability. He contributed to the Multinational Task Force effort in fighting Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin states and Francophone coalition against terrorism.

3- Championed African democracy. Issoufou was the first democratically elected president in 2011, following many years of military rule in Niger.

4 – President Issoufou’s commitment to his country’s constitution. He was elected for a second term in 2016 and stepped down at the end of this mandate, demonstrating his clear respect for the constitution.

5 – He led his people on a path of progress in the face of the most severe political and economic issues, including violent extremism and increasing desertification.

Announcing the decision for the award, Festus Mogae, Chair of the Prize Committee and former President of Botswana, had praised the Nigerien president’s for the excellent leadership to his people and meeting some of the region’s toughest challenges with determination and respect.

According to the committee chair, “While challenges remain, Issoufou has kept his promises to the Nigerien people and paved the way for a better future.

“After careful consideration, the Committee finds President Issoufou a worthy winner of the Ibrahim Prize” Mogae added.

Data from the 2020 Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) underline President Issoufou’s achievements. During his ten years as President, Niger has made progress in multiple areas, including improving in all four subcategories of Human Development.

At the end of the decade, Niger ranked 28 out of 54 countries in the IIAG.

It is among the ten most improved African countries in strengthening socio-economic opportunities for women.

Previous winners of the prize include Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia (2017), President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia (2014), President Pedro Pires of Cabo Verde (2011), President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008) and President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007). (BBC).