Niger: Outgoing President Issoufo wins $5M Ibrahim prize for Achievement

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NAIMEY, 9 March, 2021 (TON): Mahamadou Issoufo, Niger’s President won this year's $5m Ibrahim prize for Achievement in African leadership for his work in promoting economic progress and joining regional efforts to put an end to the threat of rebels and militants.

In 2011, Issoufou was first elected and then re-elected in 2016.

While, leaders like Guinea's Alpha Conde and Ivory Coast's Alassane Ouattara pushed their terms for the third time by amending the constitution, Issoufo stepped down after serving two terms.

Festus Mogae, chair of the prize committee and a former president of Botswana said, "In the face of the most severe political and economic issues, including violent extremism and increasing desertification, President Mahamadou Issoufou has led his people on a path of progress."

Issoufou is set to be succeeded by the former interior minister, Mohamed Bazoum, who won the presidential election in February. However, he is the sixth African head of state to win the award, which is paid out over 10 years.

 

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