2011: 100 Most Influential Africans – Traditional & Religious

Bishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa. An unrelenting civil rights activist and a staunch anti-apartheid campaigner during Nelson Mandela’s imprisonment, Bishop Tutu stands tall among heavyweight liberation fighters. Even in his retirement, the former bishop of Cape Town is usually the first port of call for advice on various African issues. He remains one of Africa’s most revered statesmen who wants a more just, economically improved, democratic and conflict-free Africa.

Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, Ghana. The Asantehene presides over the largest Kingdom in Ghana and he is one of the most powerful monarchs in the world. He has served as a much sought-after mediator, oracle of wisdom and defender of a rich cultural heritage. His educational endowment fund has extended essential financial assistance to many brilliant-but-needy Ghanaians of school-going age, irrespective of ethnic affiliation. He is widely respected, countrywide and beyond, and adored by his people. His word is taken seriously by the government; and his influence cuts across all political parties in the country.

Dr John Sentamu, Uganda

Appointed as the Archbishop of York in June 2005, he is the UK’s first black archbishop and Church of England’s second most senior clergyman. Having been forced to flee his homeland of Uganda under Idi Amin’s infamous rule, the Archbishop of York today admired for his uncompromising stance against corrupt and dictatorial leadership in some African countries. For this he has become a popular and respected commentator on issues of African governance.