v:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} o:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} w:* {behavior:url(#default#VML);} .shape {behavior:url(#default#VML);}

In a decision which took commentators on the peace prize by surprise, the Norwegian Nobel Committee announced in Oslo that it had decided to award the 2009 prize to Obama "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples."

The committee added: "The Committee has attached special importance to Obama’s vision of and work for a world without nuclear weapons."

Past African winners of the prize are Chief Albert Luthuli, leader of South Africa’s African National Congress, former President Anwar al-Sadat of Egypt, the then Bishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, Nelson Mandela and F.W. de Klerk of South Africa, for their work in taking South Africa towards democracy, former United Nations chief Kofi Annan and Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai.

The Nobel committee celebrates top American diplomat Ralph Bunche, who won the prize in 1950, as the first person of colour to become a Nobel peace laureate. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., won the award in 1964.

The surprise nature of the Obama award was occasioned by the fact that it comes so early in his term, when his pronouncements on the need for peace are aspirational and it is far from clear how much he will achieve.

Source: Allafrica