Highly prized: Four of the popular choices to win a leadership award

So we asked you what you would like to see rewarded in Africa or among Africans? Perhaps you too want to congratulate a politician for fine leadership and worthwhile policies? Maybe you admire a campaigner who has done lots to improve the quality of people's lives? Or, is there an African sportsman, actor, or musician, who epitomises African success, honour and style?

Let's get Africa talking. To take part simply submit your suggestions via the form on the right. A selection of contributions will appear below:

Amanda Hill in Arthington, Liberia has five reasons for her nomination:

Liberia's Ms. Ellen is my best choice for this award: Coming out of a 15 year war, the only female among a host of male African leaders, Ms. Ellen is better received in every world capital than any other African leader.

After only one year in office she has done the following five, most needed things, better than all her male counterparts combined: 1. Improved women rights and dignity 2. returned her country to global respectability 3. improved domestic and regional stability 4. increased economic prosperity 5. fought corruption, the psychological impact of that alone is telling and rewarding.

Martin Metzger in Monrovia, Liberia applauds practical improvements in his country:

Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf is doing well by engaging in reconstruction of major highways and health facilities in the country.

Rita Susan Wambeti in Njue, Kenya names her candidate:

I think President Kibaki deserves to be nominated because he has returned Kenya to the right track after years of bad governance and dictatorship. He has led our country to great economic heights, relative freedoms and Kenya is poised for more growth.

He has been let down by many but he has remained faithful to his oath that he swore at his inauguration.

Martin Makanga in Cape Town, South Africa makes a late nomination:

I recommend Dr K.D. Kaunda the first Republican President of Zambia for the African leadership prize for his excellent contribution to the liberation struggle in Southern Africa.

Dao Massaquoi in the USA adds his voice:

Mrs Johnson-Sirleaf of Liberia is doing good job leading the country from war.

Eder in Kigali, Rwanda agrees with previous contributors:

I would like to definitely join the others in nominating John Garang who gave his whole life to his people. His wife deserves 1/2 the prize and 1/2 of the money should help the poor people of Sudan abondoned by the international community again!!!!

Anthony Blidi in Philadelphia, USA gives his vote to an anti-graft campaigner:

I would like to nominate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, president of the Republic of Liberia, for having the guts to bring some of the worst corrupt people in the history of Liberia to justice.

Nancy Bropleh in Monrovia, Liberia sees her choice as an exmple to women everywhere:

I nominate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf president of Liberia, for her sacrifical services to Liberia and the world at large. She is far-sighted and is an example for women of Africa and the the world.

Kassi Bondi in Banjul, The Gambia has a trio of heroes that he is backing:

In my humble opinion, Nelson Mandela, Dr Alh. Yahya Jammeh and the big brother Gabriel Robert Mugabe are the African heroes to win this award

Do Lwanga in New York, Usa has a list of reasons for his choice:

My nomination for the Mo Ibrahim Prize for good leadership goes to His Excellency Thabo Mbeki. He is the true child of Africa, the crusader of Africa's rennaissance, a steward of Africa's glory and pride and has led South Africa to positive news.

Even his former critics on HIV/AIDS can now see the fruits of his approach. South Africa is not only the only African country to challenge the big pharmaceutical companies in court but also has a large number of trained HIV/AIDS care-givers, the highest per capita ARV treatment in Africa, research in vaccine development not to forget a surplus budget and thriving cultural tourism industry.

Patrick Sannah in Freetown, Sierra Leone simply says:

President Ahmad Tejan-Kabba of Sierra Leone deserve the prize

Nyemah Nyanway in Bardnersville, Liberia wants to award his president for rehabilitating his country's reputation:

I would like to nominate Madam Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first female President of Africa, for her belief in the equality of people and bringing peace and stability within one year to a country that lost its international image. Through her persistent efforts her country's debt was cancelled and today Liberians can once again boast of a Sweet Land of Liberty after 14 years of civil crisis.

Augustine Nowah in New Castle, USA believes his choice symbolises Africa:

My choice for this award would be Nelson Mandela. The reason - after 27 years of imprisonment he became a "Symbol of Africa" because of his good leadership, humility and forgiveness, attributes wort emulating. Quite frankly, even I have a problem forgiving wicked people.

Moses Telar Akech In Yirol, Sudan feels his nominee deserves compensation:

The late Dr. Garang should get the prize because he led the Sudan Peoples' Libration Army for 21 years voluntarily. Garang negotiated the peace with his rivals and got it, he later died just weeks after he became first vice-president of the Republic of Sudan. This prize will be compensation for all those years he worked voluntarily.

Mawien Kuol in Melbourne, Australia champions a man of charisma:

I would like to nominate the charismatic leader, the late Dr John Garang because of his belief in the equality of people and bringing peace. His aim also was to keep justice alive in Sudan as a whole.

Florah Wahome in Nairobi, Kenya shows appreciation for the extra shillingis in her purse:

Nelson Mandela and, of course my good president, Mwai Kibaki who has propelled our economy to great heights. Bravo Bwana Kibaki.

Aturjong Abraham in Khartoum, Sudan wants some positive descrimination:

I would like to mention Liberia's President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf because we African must encourage our female leaders to be future leaders.

Chol Riak Malony in Needham, USA believes his choice brought real hope for his country:

If this prize is to be given to a leader that has absolutely committed his life to help his people, I would choose Dr. John Garang. Dr. Garang fought for many years with one aim, to create Sudan that respects and treats every individual regardless of race. He can not be compared to other leaders in Africa, for Dr. John has brought hope to Sudan so I think he should be awarded this prize.

Elias Pompeo Loku Juba in southern Sudan admires the policies of Zimbabwe's stalwart:

I nominate Robert Mugabe for his aspiration to returned the white-owned land to citizens of his country. With high inflation, they are still better than some African countries.

Ghor Dhal Manyiel in Rumbek, south Sudan speaks up for his dead leader:

I think Late Dr. John Garang should be the right African son to be rewarded the Mo Ibrahim prize because he fought for the right of marginalized black African ethnics group in Sudan. He was a visionary leader who was aiming to transform Sudan into true democracy with justice, human rights and equality.

Achac Robert Okok in Gulu, Uganda feels let down by leaders:

The prize should just go for something else other than the so-called statesmen, such as poverty eradication programme in Africa. For the purpose of contribution I vote for His Excellency Nelson Mandela of South Africa. Because the current statesmen turn their states upside down after assuming office and even fool the rest of the world. A typical example is my own country, Uganda which is being lead by big pretenders.

Primo Wusong in Kadugli, Sudan names his hero:

I mentioned the late Dr. John Garang to win the Mo Ibraham prize. He contributed effectively in the liberation of his people and set a vision for Southern Sudanese as well as the people of the three maginalized areas of Abyei, Blue Nile and Nuba. The vision of peace and reconcialation, forgiveness, and unity.

Israel Ambe Ayongwa in Bamenda, Cameroon looks to the past for inspiration:

I propose a posthumous prize be given to the families of Patrice Emery Lumumba of Zaire and Thomas Sankara of Burkina Faso because they had a great vision for the continent of Africa. And as my people say, 'a good thing never lasts', so all their efforts were nipped in the bud before they could mature.

These were great men who saw ahead of their time and were able to steer their nations, albeit momentarily, towards sustainability. But they had to pay a high price for trying to unshackle the yoke of neocolonialism in their respective countries. This is what we call true freedom and they deserve a prize for their efforts.

John Mannah in Chicago, USA names a woman for the honour:

I recommend former Liberian interim president, Madame Ruth Perry. She ended the war by bringing in the former warlord Mr. Charles Taylor from being a rebel to being president. He then failed miserably. She helped save lots of Africans and countries.

Muhammad-Deeni Usman in Kaduna, Nigeria doesn't think anyone will argue with his choices:

Without fear of contradiction, I believe that Mwalimu Julius Nyerere and Nelson Mandela are okay for the prize.

Kan Azad in Freetown, Sierra Leone wants his own leader recognised:

President Dr Ahmad Tejan Kabbah should be considered.

Kofi Aifah in Atlanta, USA looks to the future:

So many great people (Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selaisse etc) have come and gone and many remain (Nelson Mandela, John Kuffor, Kofi Annan) but I will prefer this amount be given to educate the sons and daughters of Africa in the name of a selected individual.

Giving this amount to one person will feed an individual but educating the future leaders will help bring this beautiful continent out of its misery and build a great legacy for the winners. Thus I choose the children of Africa as winners every year!

Mariam Bayo in Swindon, UK has a woman in mind for recognition:

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala is undoubtedly the best finance minister Nigeria has ever had. It was a shame that she was unwittingly forced to quit. She helped to make many prominent people in Nigeria accountable for corruption.

She also worked hard for the cancellation of her country's debt and brought to light the plight of African countries' vicious circle of debt to the international community. Ma'am, you deserve all praise and recognition and young African females should look up to emulate you.

Abdullahi Wade of Senegal and Sheikh Ahmed of the Islamist Courts in Somalia also deserve recognition.

Steve Mazinga in Usisya, Malawi has no nominees to offer:

The prize is coming at the wrong time as Africa has no leader who is promoting good governance. All current leaders in Africa are selfish.

Paul Malok Kuol in Rumbek, Sudan:

I have to mentioned the former liberator of southern Sudan, Dr. John Garang, to win the Mo Ibraham prize. He led the continent's largest nation into peace.

OJ Too in Enugu, Nigeria is prizes a churchman and a "teacher":

Cardinal Francis Arinze of Nigeria or the late Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania.

Chukas Obasi in Ilford, UK is no optimist:

I'm afraid this Foundation's maiden award will have to wait till after the present set of African leaders.

Badelyare Badel in Minnesota, USA believes peace is the important consideration:

I think Sheikh Sharif Sheikh Ahmed, the leader of the ICU(Islamic Courts Unioin) deserves Mo Ibrahim Foundation prize. He brought peace and stability within six months to a country that was fighting for almost 17 years. He is the only Somali man who cares about the needs of the Somali people. Imagine Sheikh Sharif being the president of Somalia!

Undule Mwakasungura in Lilongwe, Malawi identifies his choice:

Thabo Mbeki is my man. He has been the driving force for Africa's rennaissance. He has been invloved in finding peace for Africa. He is a think tank for Africa. If we can have more Mbekis then Africa will come out of its political, social and economic challenges. No doubt Mbeki is the man for Africa, carry on Thabo!

Haile Gabriel Endeshaw in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia names his African hero:

I would like to nominate His Exellency Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe for the prize. I appreciate him for his decisive measures to help the ordinary citizens repossess their own plots of land which had been extorted by the invading white people. He deserves the prize for the bold measure no other African leaders dared take. He is the true son of Africa. We Africans need more leaders like Mugabe!

Zelalem Temogne in Adama, Ethiopia throws a new name in for consideration:

Meles Zenawi deserves it for he has opened a way to democracy to Ethiopian people.

Afolarin Ishola in Oyo, Nigeria sets aside his national loyalty when making his choice:

Though a patriotic Nigerian, I am also a very objective person, without any hesitation Nelson Mandela is the greatest leader Africa has produced in recent history.

Taonaziso Chowa in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe gives a shout for his leader:

The only man who has never slipped an inch from the principles of unity, sovereignty and African empowerment, Robert Gabriel Mugabe. Let his voice be heard all over.

Dan Bryan in Minneapolis, USA has it narrowed down:

Robert Mugabe is the natural choice. The only true African leader to fight for the right of Africans.

Oromo Kush in Baalee, Oromia, East Africa takes a historical perspective:

The biggest task for African leaders was/is to liberate their beloved nation/s from blood thristy Europeans, and then democratise according to African traditions and develop their nations. Thus, I would like to nominate for their fruitful jobs:
1. Gamal A/Nasir of Egypt.
2. Kuwame Ni Kurmah of Ghana
3. Jomo Kenyatta of Kenya
4. Nelson Mandela of South Africa
5. Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe.

Esi Naana in Agbor Cameroon is unequivocal:

My vote goes to Nelson Mandela because he showed great statesmanship by leading the way to reconciling his country men, and readily handing over power to the younger generation.

Kemo Cham at the University of Gambia has a list of possibles:

If we are talking about former presidents, well there's absolutely no living one that is as qualified as the great Nelson Mandela. We need not labour much on that.

But we must not overlook intriguing characters like Alpha Omar Konare, Quett Masire, Abdou Salim Abubakar, Mkapa.

And if we must consider serving presidents the likes of Tijan Kabbah are on the list. President Yahya Jammeh, my very own man, is on track. Thabo Mbeki. I must mention the main man before I do injustice by failing to acknowlege the great president, Uncle Gabriel Robert Mugabe.

Fidel Obohon in Lagos, Nigeria believes his departing leader is deserving:

My pick is Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.

Samuel Yokie in Freetown, Sierra Leone has elections coming up and he plumps for his President:

I nominate Dr. Ahmed Tijan Kabbah for the Mo Ibrahim Foundation prize. He inherented a very precarious and war-ravage state but today through good leadership Sierra Leone is a better place to live than it was in 1990s.

James Oryema in Nairobi, Kenya eyes South African figures with respect

Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, led the crusade for reconcilliation and South Africa values for all citizens to cherish.

James Mughenyi in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania backs Bob:

No one else but strong man of Africa, Robert Mugabe, the president of Zimbabwe. The only anti-Western African stateman. No other African stateman can say 'NO' to Western imperialists but Mugabe.

Short and sweet from Richard Hindolo Pujeh in Freetown, Sierra Leone:

My candidate is Mali's Alpha Umar Konare, who I believe merits the prize.

Maame Adjoa Arthur-Baiden in Accra Ghana has been kicking some ideas around:

Nelson Mandela of South Africa is one of the best things that ever happened in the history of Africa, i therefore nominate him for this award. How many African leaders would step down after all the struggle he went through to achieve independence for his country, many would love to be perpetual president but he chose to hand over power. I also nominate Ghana's former Sports Minister Yaw Osafo Marfo, he is really a good leader and he transformed the Ghanaian sports industry during his tenure.

George Anyii in Kampala, Uganda names his winner:

Quett Masire, Botswana, beats all African leaders in upholding the principles of democracy. Which African leader has ever stepped down after serving only the recommended number of terms, apart from Nyerere, Mandela and Masire? Botswana has the highest per capita income in Africa now. It's the most peaceful country on the continent. Who can beat Masire?

Burhan Saciid in Boise, ID, USA has a favourite:

My favourite president is Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal because he did a lot in his country and in wider Africa. He also respects human rights and minority groups; including women who aren't respected at all on the continent.

Themba Nkala appears very certain:

Thabo Mbeki is Africa's best.

Moorish Nubian in Reunion wants to broaden people's scope when thinking about making an award:

I would like to see Hassan Abdallah al-Turabi of Sudan & Wangari Maathai of Kenya.

Both personalities have entertained and been instrumental in forming our views on matters in the political and environmental arena. Which serves the citizens of the continent Pride.

Awa Dibba in Brikama, The Gambia finds his hero on home turf:

President Yahya Jammeh, Republic of The Gambia is among the strongest Africa's head of state, he also should be on the list.

Binemungu Dona in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania looks east for his inspiration:

Mugabe is the right person, he has stood upright for decades and for the majority.

Mkapa too, as our man of the decade.

Besenty Gomez in Kitty Village, The Gambia has more than one leader he believes deserve plaudits:

Nelson Mandela of course. He did not only step down for the younger generation to take over but he showed that one can work peacefully with one's opponents. He forgave and embraced all to pave the way for the Rainbow nation. He should be the PRESIDENT of AFRICA.

Quett Masire, Sam Njoma of Namibia, Ely Ould Muhammed Vall of Muritania, Abdulsami Abubakar of Nigeria, Alpha Omar Konare of Mali could make up the list. After all, we have some leaders to be proud of in Africa, and many more to come.

Osman Dumbuya, in London, UK has been casting his votes:

If this prize is open to all Africans then it should go to former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, if it is for past and present leaders it should go to Nelson Mandela and if it is only for current leaders then it should go to South Africa's Thabo Mbeki.

George Agyepong in Accra, Ghana:

The calibre of the judges are superb. The selection of the winner should be based on the person's human right records, contribution to the development of his country, the rule of law and promoting unity in Africa. Anything short of that is a betrayal to Africans. People like Mugabe should even qualify for such an award.

Ebrima Trawally in Banjul The Gambia nominates:

In my humble opinion, Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Alpha Omar Konare of Mali and Colonel Ely Ould Mohammed Vall of Mauritania are all potential award winners - it has to go to one of them. They have served their people not any selfish interest.

Clemens Oduaka in Kinshasa, DR Congo nominates:

I do not have to think before giving my answer, that I know with all my heart that this award goes to South Africa, if the past leaders are eligible it is Nelson Mandela, but if it's for the serving presidents, Thabo Mbeki should take it.

For being part of good human rights and co-initiator of a lasting democracy, for buring apartheid and making South Africa comfortable for everyone who lives there, both blacks and white.

Arthur Pratt in New York, USA nominates:

President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa. He has shown great leadership qualities in bringing all factions in South Africa to work together and we've seen stability and continued progress economically in South Africa since he got elected as President.

He is much admired for the fact that he continued the peaceful transition of power and advancement of the country's economy and upheld the democractic principles carried out by his predecessor.

He improved the quality of life for the majority who were deprived and gave them hope. This it seemed to me was carefully laid out by the erudite former President Nelson Mandela and he followed in his footsteps and so I would like to choose President Thabo Mbeki as an African Statesman who has conspicuously promoted good governance while in office.

The former United Nations secretary general Kofi Annan will chair the judging panel for the Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership.

Prize committee members Martti Ahtisaari, Former UN Special Representative for Namibia and former President of Finland Aïcha Bah Diallo, former Minister of Education in Guinea and Special Adviser to the Director-General of UNESCO Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, former Finance Minister and Foreign Minister of Nigeria Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Salim Salim, former Prime Minister of Tanzania and former Secretary-General of the Organisation of African Unity

Backed by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, named after its Sudanese businessman founder, the award will go to a departing African statesmen who has conspicuously promoted good governance while in office.

The prize is worth $5million spread over 10 years, followed by $200,000 a year for life.

Martin Plaut, asked Mr Annan why he'd accepted this post.

Kofi Annan interview

The high profile judging panel (pictured) was unveiled on April 2nd and the members will announce their decision later this year on 22nd October.

Martin Plaut asked committee member, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala how the award will be judged?

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala interview

You be the judge