Mo Ibrahim’s Prize is an insult to African Presidents

Editor, Why does Mo Ibrahim give Africa Presidents money because they have stepped down after their term limits are over? To me this is an insult to African Presidents. It sends a message worldwide that African Presidents are “paupers” and unreliable personalities who can only do what they ought to do after some kind of incentive.

Saturday, October 24, 2009
Dr Mo Ibrahim, Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation. His prize has been lambasted by many in Africa

Editor,

Why does Mo Ibrahim give Africa Presidents money because they have stepped down after their term limits are over? To me this is an insult to African Presidents.

It sends a message worldwide that African Presidents are "paupers” and unreliable personalities who can only do what they ought to do after some kind of incentive.

Ironically, this prize will make some African Presidents amend their national constitutions in order to avoid being seen as "dying” for Mo Ibrahim’s prize.

Let the African Presidents be men and women of integrity and respect the supreme law of their land and we shall forever hold them in their highest esteem.

I will be happy to hear of an African President retiring honourably and saying no to that Mo Ibrahim’s Prize. That man or woman will then be my hero.

Bonaventure Mujyeneza

mujeneza@yahoo.com