On Mogae, Botswana and the Mo Ibrahim Prize..

It is to be lauded, the idea behind the Mo Ibrahim Foundation Prize for good Governance, initiated by Sudanese- born Dr Mohammed Ibrahim.

A prize won in Its inaugural year by Joaquim Chissano (former president of Mozambique), the 2008 winner has been named as Dr Festus Mogae, Botswana's former leader.

Kofi Anan, spokesperson for the foundation described Mogae's efforts to protect the peace, security and development of his country in the face of tough challenges, as the reason for his securing the prize.

Despite critics accusing Dr Ibrahim of wasting his money trying to bribe African leaders into behaving themselves, there is some sense in initiating such a prize..

.. On a continent rife with conflict, poverty, disease and corruption, there is a desperate need for achieving necessary traction in solving the continent's ills.

A Prize for good Governance which by virtue of its principles, encourages a striving for the noble and the ideal, goes some way in creating the platform for achieving this necessary traction..