Former Cape Verde President wins leadership award

"The prize committee has been greatly impressed by President Pedro Pires's vision in transforming Cape Verde into a model of democracy, stability and increased prosperity," said committee chairman Salim Ahmed Salim. Under Pires' presidency, Cape Verde became the second African country to graduate from the United Nations' list of least developed countries.

Launched in 2007, the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership is awarded to candidates who demonstrate "good governance and great leadership" during their time in office, according to a statement from the Mo Ibrahim Foundation. Democratically elected African presidents and prime ministers who have left office within the last three years are eligible for the prize.

In the last two years, the London-based foundation has decided not to award the prize because the committee could not select a winner. The US$5 million prize is distributed over ten years. Winners also receive an additional US$200 000 a year for the rest of their lives.

The seven-member Ibrahim Prize Committee is chaired by Salim, the former Prime Minister of Tanzania, and includes global figures such as Graca Machel, Mary Robinson, former president of Ireland and former U.N. high commissioner for human rights.