Chissano wins leadership prize

Following a 16-year civil war in Mozambique, the country’s first multi-party elections took place in 1994. Joaquim Chissano, who had been Head of State since 1986, emerged as President and went on to serve two full terms before stepping down in 2005.

During these two terms, Mr Chissano oversaw economic growth, an increase in the number of women participating in political and economic life, and strong leadership from the government in tackling HIV/AIDS.

A short time after the historic elections, Mozambique became a member of the Commonwealth, after an agreement was reached at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Auckland, New Zealand in 1995.

Mozambique was the first country to join the Commonwealth with no colonial links to Britain. The decision by government heads emphasised that it is the values and goals which a country aspires towards, which are the attributes needed to become a member, and not historic ties.

When Commonwealth Secretary-General Don McKinnon met with Mr Chissano on a visit to Mozambique in 2005, he noted that “Mozambique has been an enthusiastic and active Commonwealth member since it joined our organisation ten years ago.”

Mr Chissano’s work in Mozambique and outside the country’s borders was recognised on 22 October 2007 in London, where he was declared winner of the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

“President Chissano’s achievements in bringing peace, reconciliation, stable democracy and economic progress to his country greatly impressed the committee. So, too, did his decision to step down without seeking the third term the constitution allowed,” said Kofi Annan, former UN Secretary-General and Chair of the Prize Committee.

The prize is the largest individual award in the world, with the recipient receiving US$5 million over ten years and then an annual figure of US$200,000 for life. On top of this, the winner is given up to US$200,000 a year for ten years to put towards good causes and public interest activities. Mo Ibrahim founded the African telecommunications company Celtel International and is one of the most successful business leaders in Africa.

Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General Florence Mugasha congratulated Mr Chissano on behalf of the Commonwealth. Mrs Mugasha highlighted some of the work that the former President is involved in outside Mozambique as part of his efforts to help the Commonwealth achieve its “mutually reinforcing” goals; Development and Democracy.

“We recall with gratitude Mr Chissano’s support for our Commonwealth efforts in assisting Swaziland to design its new constitution. He is also playing a key role in the peace process between the government and the Lord’s Resistance Army in Uganda,” she said.

In saluting Mr Chissano’s accomplishments, Mrs Mugasha called upon “all African leaders to prize the good governance that brings just, efficient and transparent administration.”

Throughout his Presidency, the Commonwealth worked with Mozambique on a number of projects to achieve shared values.

Between 2000 and 2006, over £1.5 million from the Commonwealth Fund for Technical Co-operation (CFTC) was put towards projects in Mozambique. For example, a marketing plan to increase the number of tourists visiting the country was developed, as well as a human resources plan to facilitate relevant training of workers for the tourism sector.

Another assistance programme, which was introduced using CFTC funding, aimed to help communities and small businesses use local resources to construct affordable housing and public buildings.

In December 2004 a Commonwealth Group was invited to observe the presidential and parliamentary elections. Vaughan Lewis, Chairman of the Observer Group, noted the “deepening of the democratic culture in the country.”

Dr Lewis added in his departure statement that the Group’s “departure does not signify the end of the Commonwealth presence in Mozambique.”

Click here for more comments from Deputy Secretary-General, Florence Mugasha