Ivorian President jets in
Thursday, April 26, 2018
Alassane Ouattara, the President of Ivory Coast is in the country. He was received by Rwanda's Foreign Afffairs minister, Louise Mushikiwabo. (Courtesy)

President of Ivory Coast Alassane Ouattara yesterday arrived in the country for a three-day visit.

He is expected to take part 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.

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

Earlier this week, Mo Ibrahim Foundation released a 128-page report that focuses on Public Service in Africa, and how that relates to good governance and effective leadership on the continent.

The foundation also awards African leaders who, during their time in office developed their 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 focussed on building a nation and its democratic institutions. 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,” 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.

The line of activities at the event aim at bringing together organisations and individuals from Africa and around the world to deliberate governance and leadership in Africa.