The President of the Republic, Head of State, Issoufou Mahamadou received a distinction that is the consecration of a busy political career and outstanding leadership. He has just been awarded the Mo Ibrahim Prize while he will soon leave his position at the head of the country.

The new distinction of the Head of State, Issoufou Mahamadou symbolizes the eternal gratitude of the international community to a man who has devoted himself to the development of his country.
 "We chose him because he meets the criteria. He was democratically elected in 2011. He was democratically re-elected in 2016, and in 2020 he stepped down, in accordance with Niger's Constitution. It gave us the opportunity to finally live, in Niger, after 60 years, a democratic transition," said Aicha Bah Diallo, one of the members and former Minister of Education in Guinea.
According to the Committee awarding the prize, the Head of State of Niger, Issoufou Mahamadou, has distinguished himself by his efforts to improve the economic development of his country, while working for regional stability.
The Mo Ibrahim Prize was awarded in 2017 to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia (2017), President Hifikepunye Pohamba of Namibia (2014), President Pedro Pires of Cabo Verde (2011), President Festus Mogae of Botswana (2008) and President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique (2007). President Nelson Mandela was named the first honorary laureate in 2007.