Mo Ibrahim Foundation announced on 12/2/2018 that Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, former President of Liberia had won The 2017 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.
The Prize Committe commended her exceptional leadership skills.
Ellen Johnson Sirleaf wins 2017 Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. Former President of #Liberia praised for her extraordinary efforts to lead country’s recovery following civil war. Read the full release: https://t.co/knJ7uMVWlh #MIFPrize #leadership #Africa pic.twitter.com/77Kfh2JKkD
— Mo Ibrahim Foundation (@Mo_IbrahimFdn) February 12, 2018
“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took the helm of Liberia when it was completely destroyed by civil war and led a process of reconciliation that focussed on building a nation and its democratic institutions,” said Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, Chair of the Prize Committee, announcing the decision.
It also added that,
“Throughout her two terms in office, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Liberia. Such a journey cannot be without some shortcomings and, today, Liberia continues to face many challenges. Nevertheless, during her twelve years in office, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf laid the foundations on which Liberia can now build.”
The Ibrahim Prize aims to distinguish leaders who, during their time in office, have developed their countries, strengthened democracy and human rights for the shared benefit of their people, and advanced sustainable development.
The Ibrahim Prize for African Leadership recognizes and celebrates African executive leaders who, under challenging circumstances, have developed their countries and strengthened democracy and human rights for the shared benefit of their people, paving the way for sustainable and equitable prosperity. It also highlights exceptional role models for the continent and ensures that the African continent continues to benefit from the experience and wisdom of exceptional leaders once they have left national office, by enabling them to continue in other public roles on the continent. The Prize is an award and a standard for excellence in leadership in Africa, and not a ‘first prize’, there is not necessarily a Laureate every year.
Social media was excited with her deserved award
Breaking: The former president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, has won the 5 Million dollar Mo Ibrahim prize for African Leadership. Mrs Sirleaf who has also won the Nobel Peace Prize became Africa's first female president in 2006 and stepped down last month.
Congratulations. pic.twitter.com/CrjONW5pUo
— Ahmed Mohamed ((ASMALi)) (@Asmali77) February 11, 2018
Statement below: Former President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has been awarded The Mo Ibrahim Prize in African Leadership.
-first winner in 2yrs & the 6th recipient. (joins Nelson Mandela Hifikepunye Pohamba, Pedro Pires, Festus Mogae & Joaquim Chissano) pic.twitter.com/019I25mCOQ
— Samira Sawlani (@samirasawlani) February 12, 2018
https://twitter.com/ruthmaclean/status/962842815100342272
https://twitter.com/WellenceMujuru/status/962958709419855872
