Washington, DC, US -  The United States has congratulated former Caper Verde President Pedro Pires, for being awarded the Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African Leadership on Monday, a US State Department release said here.

'This prize recognizes President Pires’ notable achievements in strengthening democracy, good governance, and economic development, making Cape Verde a model for other West African nations searching for an enduring democratic way forward.

'Specifically, the award cited Pires' influence in assuring Cape Verde’s successful transition in the early 1990s from one-party to multi-party governance,' the statement said.

The prize, which consists of US$5million over 10 years and US$200,000 annually for life thereafter, is the biggest annually awarded prize in the world.

In addition, the Mo Ibrahim Foundation will consider granting a further US$200,000 per year, for 10 years, towards public interest activities and good causes espoused by the winner.

The Ibrahim Prize is awarded to a democratically-elected former African leader who has served his/her term in office within the limits set by the country's constitution, has left office in the last three years, and has demonstrated excellence in office.

Though it is supposed to be an annual award, there has been no winner for two years running, as the committee said there had been no suitable candidate.

Previous winners include Festus Mogae and Joaquim Chissano, former Presidents of Botswana and Mozambique respectively.

According to the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, the award was instituted in view of the need to encourage high quality leadership in sub-Saharan Africa.

Pana 12/10/2011