Your article was misleading

Correspondent | Tuesday October 18, 2016 15:18

The main inaccuracy is the implication that the Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) awards the Ibrahim Prize. This occurs in the second paragraph and the fourth and fifth from last paragraphs. While the IIAG and Ibrahim Prize are both sponsored by the Mo Ibrahim Foundation, it is inaccurate to say the IIAG awards the Prize. The Prize is given based on the recommendation of a Prize Committee, which is completely separate from the research team that produces the IIAG. Moreover, the awarding of the Prize is not based on the IIAG.

I have taken the liberty of including the inaccurate paragraphs here, with recommendations on how to amend them so they are accurate reflections of the IIAG and the Prize:

 

Paragraph 2:

“It’s on the basis of the report that some former African presidents have received awards running into hundreds of thousands of US dollars from the Foundation for the quality of their countries’ governance while they were at the helm.”

 

Recommended correction:

“The Mo Ibrahim Foundation also gives an annual award to former African presidents, running into hundreds of thousands of US dollars, for the quality of their countries’ governance while they were at the helm.”

 

Fifth to last paragraph

“I don’t know whether IIAG, when awarding President Festus Mogae the prize…”

Recommended correction: “I don’t know whether the Foundation, when awarding President Festus Mogae the Prize…”

 

Fourth to last paragraph:

“Had the IIAG had the information before selecting him, I doubt they would have awarded him the prize…”

 

Correction:

“Had the Foundation had the information before selecting him, I doubt they would have awarded him the Prize…”

Additionally: please ensure the word “Prize,” when referencing the Ibrahim Prize, is capitalised throughout.

The other inaccuracy in the article is the reference to Botswana’s score as being “over 80 percent”. The scores in the IIAG are not percentages and should not be referenced as such. In the eighth paragraph please change the word percent to points.

Thank you for your assistance and your understanding. If you have any further questions I would be happy to assist you.

 

Hallie Detrick

Account Executive