"The Jury reviewed a list of candidates including eminent personalities from all the regions in the world. It has paid particular attention to actions in favour of peace, progress, democracy and tolerance in Africa. After lengthy consultations and an in-depth examination of the situation in Africa, the Jury decided to award the 2005 Félix Houphouët-Boigny Peace Prize to President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal for his contributions to democracy in Senegal, and for his role in mediating political disputes in the region."
Statement made by Dr. Henry Kissinger, President of the Jury, announcing the Prize-winner on 13 September 2005.
The official ceremony for the award of the Prize was held on 16 may 2006 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris.
