The Mo Ibrahim Foundation (MIF) has announced a one-off extraordinary Award to Archbishop Desmond Tutu in recognition of his lifelong commitment to speaking truth to power.
A press statement copied to the Ghana News Agency in Accra stated that the Award would be accompanied by a grant of US 1 million dollars.
The statement said the Award would be presented personally to Archbishop Tutu later this year in Dakar during the annual Ibrahim Discussion Forum, which focuses on the youth a topic close to the Archbishop's heart.
"This Special Award to Archbishop Desmond Tutu is motivated by the desire to make an extraordinary grant to an outstanding African civil society champion. Archbishop Desmond Tutu is and has throughout his life been one of Africa's great voices for justice, freedom, democracy and responsible, responsive government. In everything he stands for, says, and does, he displays a consistent determination to give a voice to the voiceless and to speak the uncomfortable truth." the Board of the MIF said.
According to the statement the Award did not replace, but was an addition to the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership, which was awarded to a democratically elected former African Executive Head of State or Government who had served only their constitutionally mandated term , left office in the previous three years and demonstrated excellence in office .
"Whether one always agrees with Archbishop Tutu or not, his contribution to dialogue, to accountability, and to the debate on Africa's future has been unparalleled. His integrity and moral authority deserve recognition. We hope this Award will inspire the next generation to follow Archbishop Tutu's example and speak truth to power." Mo Ibrahim had noted.
The Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership was established in 2007. Previous Laureates include Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique, Festus Mogae of Botswana, and Pedro de Verona Rodrigues Pires of Cape Verde.