To win the 2020 Ibrahim award for African leadership, and the $5m (£3.6m) prize attached to it, Niger’s President Mahamadou Issoufou had to leave office.
His decision to step down after two terms means Niger will have the first democratic transition between elected leaders since it became independent from France more than 60 years ago.
But that was not the only reason why he was given the award – the prize committee praised his leadership after inheriting one of the world’s poorest economies.
It said that he had “fostered economic growth, shown unwavering commitment to regional stability and to the constitution, and championed African democracy”.
For a prize that has not been awarded in some years because of the lack of a suitable winner, Mr Issoufou’s credentials should not be taken for granted.
If the 68-year-old wanted to remain in power, he could have copied other presidents across West Africa who managed to get the constitution changed so they could extend their time in office.
But his convictions would not let him do so, he told the BBC before last month’s elections.
“I respect the constitution. I respect the promise I made to the people of Niger who have given me the honour of leading them for two terms. This decision is in line with my convictions and my vision of what Niger’s democratic future should be,” he said. (BBC)
