Former Liberian President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has continued to make history. She is the first woman to become elected as a Head of State in Africa. The way she exited from office in style after two terms is also historic.
Now, Mrs. Johnson-Sirleaf has added a new feather to her cap by becoming the first woman to win the $5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership. This is in stark recognition of her efforts to rebuild her country following two devastating civil wars.
Her award has come after two consecutive occasions where no African ex-leader was found worthy of the prestigious award.
Announcing the decision, the Chairman of the Mo Ibrahim Prize Committee, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, said “Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf took office as the helmsman 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.
Dr. Salim said that throughout her two terms in office, Mrs. Johnson- Sirleaf 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.”
Johnson-Sirleaf became President of Liberia on January 16, 2006, after winning the 2005 national elections. She served her first term 2006- 2011 and was re-elected for a second term, enabling her to remain in office from 2012 till December 2017.
