Mo Ibrahim, who boldly and controversially is offering a prize to reward good governance in Africa, has released his Ibrahim Index, with the help of Africa specialist Robert Rotberg, ranking African nations based on a host of criteria, including safety and security; rule of law, transparency, and corruption; participation and human rights; sustainable economic opportunity; and human development. Here are the top ten, in order, starting with the country that currently ranks first: Mauritius, Seychelles, Botswana, Cape Verde, South Africa, Gabon, Namibia, Ghana, Senegal, Sao Tome and Principe. The bottom ten will surprise no one (except perhaps inasmuch as Zimbabwe is not on this list, ranking a somewhat pedestrian 31st overall, which is a sad testament to the state of African leadership south of the Sahara), as starting from the worst of the worst they are: Somalia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Chad, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Angola, Central African Republic, Burundi, and Sierra Leone. (See more here.)
