The TrustAfrica Board of Trustees, which met here October 24-25 for its
biannual meeting, strongly endorsed last week's announcement by the Mo
Ibrahim Foundation that it would not award the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement
in African Leadership this year.



    Because good governance is so central to Africa's development and
democratization, the TrustAfrica Trustees applaud the Prize Committee, the Mo
Ibrahim Foundation Board of Trustees, and Mo Ibrahim himself for holding up
the mirror of good governance to African leaders by withholding the 2009
award.



    "This should serve as a wake up call for African leaders that their
people are watching and that when the time comes they will be held
accountable," said Gerry Salole, who chairs TrustAfrica's Board of Trustees.
"Indeed, not awarding this year's prize is itself a great contribution to the
African people by Mo Ibrahim and his Foundation."



    As an African institution dedicated to amplifying the voices of ordinary
Africans, TrustAfrica shares the Mo Ibrahim Foundation's position that a
major challenge that the new generation of African leaders face is how to
lift the millions of people out of poverty. TrustAfrica cannot agree more
with the Mo Ibrahim Foundation that: "This cannot be achieved without strong
democratic societies; the functioning rule of law; the provision of health
and educational facilities; an empowered civil society; and a framework
conducive to strong economic growth. In other words, none of this can be
achieved without good governance."



    The Trustees acknowledged that some African countries have made gains
this past year in consolidating democratic practices. However, they noted
with deep concern the many setbacks -- from repressive environments for
citizens to armed conflicts -- that are taking a heavy toll on the
continent's people.



    TrustAfrica is a public foundation that strives to secure the conditions
for democratic participation and equitable development throughout the
continent. Led by Africans, it convenes dialogues, catalyzes ideas, and
provides grants and technical assistance to organizations working to advance
these goals.




Source: TrustAfrica

Akwasi Aidoo, Executive Director of TrustAfrica, +221-33-869-46-86, aidoo@trustafrica.org