In 1995 Nelson Mandela was the unanimous selection of the ACCORD Board of Trustees as recipient of the Award. The man, described in his address by the Secretary General of the OAU, Dr. Salim A. Salim, as 'one of the greatest sons of Africa, a World Statesman and a legend in his lifetime', is in many ways an embodiment of the very essence of everything the Africa Peace Award represents.

Liberation

The 1995 Award honoured Nelson Mandela's pivotal role in the South African miracle. As 'the single most vital symbol not only of liberation from the tyranny of apartheid, but of a new way of life', he is a remarkable testimony to the power of negotiation and peaceful resolution of disputes. 

He is an example of the possibilities for life and equity inherent in all conflicts. His life has shown what committed striving for peace and justice amidst conflict can accomplish.

The 1997 Award went to the Nation of Mozambique for their efforts towards peace, respect for human rights and good governance.

National Unity

Since the end of the civil war and the establishment of a Government of National Unity in the early 1990s, what has set Mozambique apart has been their ability to achieve effective growth and development, while still holding onto the important values of human dignity, in order to ensure long-term prosperity and stability.

Partnership

In presenting the Africa Peace Award, Nelson Mandela paid homage to the remarkable achievements Mozambique has made since their elections. He praised the partnership and friendship that had replaced the years of animosity and conflict between South Africa and Mozambique. 

In early 1999 Nigerians voted in the first democratically-elected civilian Government to rule their country in 16 years. The 1999 democratic transition was a victory for all Nigerians. For many years courageous journalists, community organisations, churches, and NGOs have stood united for change – often at great personal cost. It is in their honour that ACCORD presents the Africa Peace Award to the people of Nigeria.

Political Will

The new administration has already displayed the political willingness to effectively deal with the legacy of the past. Within hours of President Obasanjo's swearing in, the new Government announced new heads of the armed forces, police, civil service and central bank. The Government has also released political prisoners, established a panel to investigate poverty alleviation, laid emphasis on infrastructural development and ecological rehabilitation and passed an anti-corruption bill through their National Assembly.

Human Rights

President Obasanjo set up a panel to investigate human rights violations during the years of military rule, in order to identify those responsible for human rights abuses and to recommend measures to prevent them from occurring again.

By awarding the Africa Peace Award to Nigeria, ACCORD honours all Nigerians for their contribution to the new dawn of democracy, without which peace and prosperity are impossible.

Celebrating 10 years of conflict management work on the African Continent, ACCORD took pleasure in presenting the 2003 Africa Peace Award to the "Children of Africa". Symbolizing the future of Africa and the Continent's hopes and dreams, the prestigious award was presented to a group of children drawn from various regions in Africa. 

In celebration of the future of the continent, and the 40 years since the founding of the Organisation of African Unity, the award was made to the symbol of the future: the children of the continent. With a special focus on the children of the DRC, many children read statements of peace in their local languages, including children from Somalia, the DRC and Mozambique.

In presenting this award to the "Children of Africa", ACCORD hopes that it will raise awareness and promote peace and instil a sense of pride in the people of Africa. ACCORD also timed 2003 award to coincide with World Day Against Child Labour on the 12th of June 2003. 

The award ceremony took place at the gala evening of the WEF's "Africa Economic Summit 2003", which was held at Durban's International Convention Centre from the 11th to the 13th of June. Over 800 assembled dignitaries and delegates to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Africa Summit were wowwed by a celebration of all that is positive and exciting in African cultural, sporting, artistic and academic fields, with a show filled with song, dance, fashion and extravaganza.

Here to present the award was past recipient President Joaquim Chissano, of Mozambique. In 1997 Chissano accepted the award on behalf of the Nation of Mozambique, in celebration of massive strides that had been made, and are still being made towards peace, stability, good governance and growth in that country. Chissano gave an impromptu message to the audience, when he spoke of the burden we as adults have to secure a bright future for those who are to follow, before handing over the award to three Congolese children.