Former President of Mozambique vows “to promote good governance in a continent that is changing rapidly for the better”

Alexandria, Egypt, 26th November 2007 – President Joaquim Chissano, the former President of Mozambique, has accepted the inaugural Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership from Kofi Annan, the former Secretary General of the United Nations, at a ceremony in Alexandria in Egypt tonight.

In his keynote address, President Chissano said he accepted the award “with humility and great honor” as “a tribute to the millions of women and men of Mozambique, young and old, for their untiring commitment to freedom, peace, democracy and prosperity in our country.”

While promising to continue his work to uplift his country and his continent, President Chissano said, “We need to develop and root in our societies a culture of peace. We need to promote regional integration. We need to encourage public-private partnerships and give a more robust role to our private sector. We must fight corruption and promote integrity and good governance. And we need to establish a sustained process of national dialogue and reconciliation in all the countries emerging from conflict. In short, we need to work towards building capable states in Africa.”

In his concluding remarks, the former President stated, “The Foundation’s aim to recognize and celebrate African leadership is a noble one. I look forward to using the prize to do all I can to promote good governance in a continent that is changing rapidly for the better.”