French President Francois Hollande has been awarded the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize "for his valuable contribution to peace and stability in Africa," the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on Thursday.

"Having assessed the dangers and the repercussions of the situation on Africa, and on Mali in particular, as well as on the rest of the world, the Jury appreciated the solidarity shown by France to the peoples of Africa," Joaquim Chissano, the president of the Jury said.

"The Jury therefore decided to award the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize to Mr Francois Hollande, President of the French Republic, for his great contribution to peace and stability in Africa," added Mozambique's former head of state.

Created in 1989, Felix-Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize, worth 150,000 U.S.dollars, aimed at paying tribute to efforts made either by individuals or institutions to promote and restore peace in conformity with UNESCO charter.

The award ceremony of the peace diploma and gold medal Prize "will be determined shortly with the laureate." the statement said.

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