Environment and Security Cross-Cutting Initiative Blog from Oct 21, 2008

By CELIA W. DUGGER
Published: October 20, 2008

New York Times JOHANNESBURG — A foundation dedicated to celebrating and encouraging good government in Africa awarded its annual prize on Monday toBotswana's former president, Festus G. Mogae. He was honored for consolidating his nation's democracy, ensuring that its diamond wealth enriched its people and providing bold leadership during the AIDS pandemic.

Mr. Mogae, 69, a man with a modest style, will receive $5 million over the next 10 years and $200,000 per year thereafter for the rest of his life. Over the coming decade, the foundation may also grant another $200,000 a year to causes of Mr. Mogae's choice. The award, the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, is bestowed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, named after its founder, a Sudanese billionaire. Mr. Mogae was selected by a six-member panel led by Kofi Annan, the former secretary general of theUnited Nations. The panel also included this year's winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Martti Ahtisaari.

For the full article, please visit: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/world/africa/21africa.html?_r=1&ref=world&oref=slogin