Ivory Coast President arrives in Rwanda

He is due to participate at the presentation of Mo Ibrahim Prize that will be given to the former Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

The Award ceremony is part of the 2018 Ibrahim Forum taking place in Kigali, this weekend.The baseline of activities at the event aim at bringing together organizations and individuals from Africa and around the world to deliberate governance and leadership in Africa.

Upon his arrival, he was received by senior government officials, including the Rwanda Minister for foreign Affairs and Cooperation Louise Mushikiwabo.

Few days back, Mo Ibrahim Foundation released a 128-page report that focuses on Public Service in Africa. The foundation has relation  to good governance and effective leadership across the continent.

The foundation awards African leaders. The foundation has developed its member countries, strengthened democracy and human rights and advanced sustainable development.

The awards committee noted that Sirleaf took over office at a time when the country was almost destroyed after years of civil war but worked to rebuild it and foster national institutions.

 “Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took the helm of Liberia when it was completely destroyed by civil war and led a process of reconciliation that focused on building a nation and its democratic institutions. In her two terms in office, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Liberia. Such a journey cannot be without some shortcomings, 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,” her citation read.

Sirleaf is set to be awarded $5M by the Ibrahim Prize, US$5 million award paid over ten years and US$200,000 annually for life. She became President of Liberia on January 2006, after winning the 2005 elections. She served her first term till 2011 and was successfully re-elected for a second term which she served till last year.