Former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf wins Africa Leadership prize

AP | The Mo Ibrahim Foundation says it has awarded the US$5 million Africa Leadership prize to former Liberian President Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf.

The Ibrahim Prize, which honors role models on a continent, has been awarded just 4 times before since it was established in 2006.
Johnson-Sirleaf is the 5th person and first woman to receive it.

The prize committee on Monday praised Johnson-Sirleaf’s “exceptional and transformative leadership, in the face of unprecedented and renewed challenges” in leading Liberia’s recovery following years of civil war.

Johnson-Sirleaf, who was president from 2006 to 2017, stepped down in January, handing power to President George Weah.

Prize Committee chair Salim Ahmed Salim said Johnson-Sirleaf “helped guide her nation towards a peaceful and democratic future.”