Rwanda on Monday hosted the 4th International Anti-Corruption Excellence (ACE) Award in Kigali, in partnership with the Qatari Government.

The award is given by the Rule of Law and Anti-corruption Centre (ROLACC) — an international center dedicated to the fight against corruption and the promotion of the rule of law, alongside the anti-corruption mandate of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODG).

According to the Gulf Times, a Qatari publication, Rwanda was selected to host the event in recognition of President Paul Kagame's efforts to fight corruption and build a state based on justice and the rule of the law.

Present at the event were Rwandan President Paul Kagame, the Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Namibian President Hage Geingob and African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat and other dignitaries.

Kagame congratulated the winners and nominees of the award for their dedication to achieving a positive and sustainable impact on crime prevention, criminal justice, corruption prevention and the rule of law.

The annual event includes four categories: the Anti-Corruption Lifetime Achievement Award, the Anti-Corruption Academic Research Award, the Anti-Corruption Youth Creativity Award and the Anti-Corruption Innovation Award.

"Collectively, you represent the very best of the fearless spirit and determination required to sustain zero-tolerance against corruption," Kagame said.

Kagame also inaugurated a monument, a steel hand structure located at the Kigali Convention Centre gardens. Such monuments, commissioned by Qatar, are usually erected in a prominent area of the city in which the ACE awards are held.

"We have just unveiled a stunning sculpture and this symbolizes both the openness and the firm resolve needed to prevail in the fight against corruption. This iconic work of art, will also go a long way to keep reminding us and encouraging us to always be present in this fight against corruption."

Source: Rwandan Presidency