This elegant, green coloured Mosque, overlooking Mozambique’s market, was built a century ago. It is a testament to the growing presence of islamic community on the island. The Omani Arab traders arrived in the 10th century and conducted trading with local Bantu tribes. With the arrival of Vasco da Gama in 1498, the Portuguese took over the island and the influence of islam decreased until Mozambique’s independance on June 25, 1975.

Today, former Mozambique President Joachim Chissano is the first recipient of the $5 million Mo Ibrahim Prize for Achievement in African leadership. The prize recognizes an African leader who was freely elected, and stepped down at the end of his or her constitutional term over the past three years.

Critics of the prize argue that leaders should not be rewarded for doing what they are chosen to do anyway. Selection committee member Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala disagrees.

“Africa has had quite a bad rap internationally, in terms of being seen as a continent that does not have good enough leaders,” said Okonjo-Iweala. “So, this is one way to show the outside world that we do indeed have men and women, who can step up to the plate and exhibit the kind of leadership that makes all of us proud.”

Source: voanews.com

Ilha De Mozambique, Mozambique.

Also, check out articles in New America Media category:

comments

1. Beautiful…

   By Samah007 ·  Posted on Oct 23, 02:35 PM