No surprise at Chissano award
Mozambicans interviewed on the streets of Maputo on Monday expressed no surprise that former President Joaquim Chissano had won the Mo Ibrahim prize for good governance in Africa.
They said he deserves it because he played a very important role in achieving peace in Mozambique, and is now serving as a voice for peace elsewhere in the continent through his work in the African Union and the United Nations.
 | Gaddafi and Mugabe should take the example of Mr Chissano who stepped down even though he had one mandate to run Sam Gudo |
"He deserves the prize for his good work since taking office after the death of Mozambique's first president Samora Machel," said Telma Cumbe, a student.
"He helped boost the country's economy after the chaos of war," she said.
Sam Gudo said Mr Chissano, who stood down as president at the end of 2004, could serve as an example to long-serving leaders.
"Other African leaders like (Libya's) Muammar Gaddafi and (Zimbabwe's) Robert Mugabe should take the example of Mr Chissano who stepped down even though he had one mandate to run," Mr Gudo said.
There were differing views on what Mr Chissano should do with the considerable prize money: a total of $5m over 10 years, followed by an additional $200,000 per year.
"He should use the money in his foundation to strengthen peace and democracy in Africa," said journalist Lionel Muchano.
Economist Evaristo Cumbana said Mr Chissano should use the prize money for social development projects in Mozambique.
"The prize is a prestige award for Mozambique and a good example for good governance," he said.
