Gambian leader wins booby prize

I see that Gambian strongman Yahya Jammeh was named winner of the Lansana Conté Prize for Agriculture for his unwavering efforts to assure food self-sufficiency for every Gambian, according to reports from the Office of the President.

The award was given by the National Unit for the Promotion of the Actions of General Lansana Conté, the Guinean head of state. Guinea may be economic, social and economic implosion but at least the ailing leader has the presidential press office, the information ministry AND this organization to do to promote his increasingly minimal actions.

Jammeh is probably honored to receive the award, but it makes you wonder. Given Guinea's food shortages and skyrocketing prices, is Conté's really the best person to sponsor such a prize?