Africans Celebrate Obama Peace Prize
By VOA News
09 October 2009
Many Africans are hailing the news Friday that U.S. President Barack Obama has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize.
The foundation of former South African President Nelson Mandela, who is a previous Nobel prize winner, welcomed the news, stating it hopes the award will strengthen Mr. Obama＇s commitment to "promoting peace and the eradication of poverty."
Zimbabwean PM Morgan Tsvangirai speaks at a press conference in Harare (file photo)
Zimbabwe＇s Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai, who was considered a contender for the prize, said Mr. Obama deserved the honor and he offered his congratulations.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, who won the prize in 1984, said the award "speaks to the promise of President Obama＇s message of hope."
In Kenya, where Mr. Obama＇s father was born, President Mwai Kibaki congratulated Mr. Obama on behalf of all Kenyans. Mr. Kibaki expressed hope the award will help Mr. Obama bring about peace to regions ravaged by prolonged wars.
Mr. Obama＇s uncle in his ancestral village of Kogelo, Said Obama, told VOA that family members were surprised, humbled and honored.
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