President sirleaf mo ibrahim prize

Former Liberian president Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has become the first woman to win a coveted $5m prize for African leadership.

Sirleaf won the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership on Monday in recognition for her efforts to rebuild her country following two civil wars.

“Ellen Johnson Sirleaf took the helm of Liberia when it was completely destroyed by civil war and led a process of reconciliation that focussed on building a nation and its democratic institutions,” Salim Ahmed Salim, chair of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation’s prize committee, said.

“Throughout her two terms in office, she worked tirelessly on behalf of the people of Liberia,” he added.

“Such a journey cannot be without some shortcomings and, today, Liberia continues to face many challenges.

Nevertheless, during her twelve years in office, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf laid the foundations on which Liberia can now build.” 

Sirleaf left office last m