Mo Ibrahim Foundation | African Leaders Must Separate Personal From Public Interest – By Former Pres. Hifikepunye Pohamba

 

Mo Ibrahim Prize for 2014 was awarded to Namibia’s former President for his good governance and leadership — Sound and visionary political leadership is vital to every country in every continent. But it is particularly important in the developing world where the challenges can be far greater, and the institutions and traditions of democratic and accountable governance may not be as mature or deeply rooted.

The modern history of Africa stands testament to the impact of both sound and inadequate leadership. Africa has produced many outstanding leaders who have shaped the political and development trajectory of the continent for the better. However, our continent has also seen many examples where those entrusted with responsibility to govern have widened divisions rather than healed them.

We have witnessed, too, leaders failing to separate their personal interests from those of their country, hoarding public wealth for their personal use and, in the process, pushing their people into poverty. For this reason, it is crucial both to promote good political leadership and celebrate its successes on the continent.

This is the aim of the Ibrahim Prize established by Mo Ibrahim, one of Africa’s most successful businessmen, philanthropists and exceptional individuals. Since 2007, the prize has been awarded to outgoing and outstanding African leaders.

President Joachim Chissano of Mozambique was the winner of the inaugural prize and was followed by President Festus Mogae of Botswana and President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde.

In March this year, I was humbled to learn that I have been selected to join these laureates after the independent prize committee judged me to be worthy of the 2014 Ibrahim Prize for achievement in African leadership. In accepting the prize, I made clear that I considered it an honour not only for me, but for our country and people.

The genesis of my selection as the 2014 winner can be traced back 25 years to when Namibia gained freedom and independence and put the machinery of democratic governance in motion, following our country’s first-ever free and fair elections.

Guided by the principles enshrined in our democratic constitution, the SWAPO government adopted the Policy of National Reconciliation as the foundation for consolidating peace, stability, socio-economic development and progress.

At the core of this policy was the need to heal a country deeply wounded by decades of conflict, war and mistrust. This required that the country’s leaders institutionalise a governance framework that promoted a culture of respect for human rights, accountability and good governance, which remains the mantra of Namibian political culture.

This history meant that during my ten years as president, I could count on a supportive administrative environment and a society which cherished the principles of good governance, the rule of law and accountability.

It was the commitment of the Namibian people to promoting these values which made possible the modest achievements that were recorded during my tenure of office. It is why, above all, this award is a recognition of Namibia as a peaceful and democratic country.

But while I am immensely proud of my country and what has been achieved, I believe that the desire for good governance is something deeply-shared across our continent. I also know that our continent is endowed with many outstanding leaders in different spheres determined to make Africa a better place.

During my tenure, I had the opportunity to interact and work closely with leaders whose personal qualities and commitment to improve the lives of the African people were immensely striking. In many cases, they faced more challenging political environments than I inherited when I assumed office.

However, they were determined to make a difference. These leaders stand as examples of what is both possible and achievable to realise the full potential of Africa.

The principles of leadership are, of course, universal. However, a case can be made that the difficult challenges facing those who lead African countries and the lack of a democratic history do make particular demands.

What are these demands and how can they best be met? I believe the new African leader must strive to deliver peace, unity and equitable development.

This means governing in the best interests of all citizens, regardless of the political, ethnic or religious affiliation of communities. It also underscores the importance of full compliance with constitutional provisions for presidential term limits.

Africa will be better positioned to achieve our collective ideals for peace and stability, development and progress when leaders commit to prioritising the interest of the people and do everything in their power to achieve these goals while they have the mandate of leadership.

Through the Ibrahim Prize, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation is playing a crucial role in promoting a vision for accountable leadership and good governance in Africa.

The author is a former president of Namibia and winner of the Ibrahim Prize.

Source — The Mo Ibrahim Foundation website.