The African anti-corruption year
The African Union has branded 2018 as the anti-corruption year by instituting a major crackdown on continental corruption aimed at eradicating the endemic problem. The organization chose Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation as the theme for the ongoing AU Assembly of Heads of State and Government.
Organizations emerging at the forefront of the fight against corruption outside of the Assembly are the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and Civil Society Organizations. Looking into these organizations would be a good way to prepare for our upcoming conference.
This announcement is important progress in the fight against corruption on the continent, however, there is still some ground to make-up. The Assembly concludes on 29th January 2018. I urge you all to keep an eye out for updates from the assembly. This is also a good way to observe the AU in action and understand its mechanisms as well as stay updated on our topics.
You can read more about the African anti-corruption year here:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201801220711.html
http://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/au-2018-african-anti-corruption-year/
http://allafrica.com/stories/201801220711.html
http://www.corruptionwatch.org.za/au-2018-african-anti-corruption-year/
On January 29, 2018, the African Union Summit entertained its 30th Annual Summit to establish this year as the Anti-Corruption Year around the theme of, “Winning the Fight Against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation.” With corruption acting as a constant catalyst for deprivation of equality and injustice, necessary investors and stakeholders have been hesitant to play an active role in the rehabilitation of the continent. As a result, the African Union has left it to their Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC), Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and its politically active citizens to adhere to this urgency. Without a way to monitor progress or implement accountability, however, the hope of establishing honest governance and a continental, peaceful agenda, remains bleak.
ReplyDeleteIn contradiction to the continent’s economic progress, corruption in the public sector stagnates growth in the private sector, as the latter has the tendency to mirror the actions of the government. Ever since the 1993 establishment of Transparency International to combat this key issue, the most influential action taken by the AU has been the universal signing of the Continental Agenda 2063, specifically Aspiration 3. Although established leaders all signed this, few have followed suit with their promises, making them as empty as their self-proclaimed unselfish motives for their nation. With a ten-year action plan in play and the 2030 goal for sustainable development deadlines encroaching, the same issues continue to remain relevant with the rise of terror groups and politicians’ tendencies to invest embezzled funds overseas. This year, however, will be different, or so they say. The only way to ensure improvements are acted upon is by implementing an accountability system, such as wealthy coastal nations have previously been successful in.
Dedicated to play an active role in ensuring the success of the African Union’s goals, President Buhari of Nigeria has publicly proclaimed that he will not let his people down. In a speech to our people, he pointed out that leaders’ error lies in “a focus on short-term priorities and payoffs, propelled by corruption, which too often leaves projects uncompleted and promises unfulfilled” (AU.int). Consequently, minorities and ostracized individuals become susceptible to recruitment into terrorist organizations, human and drug trafficking, and other trades on the black market. To directly prevent this from occurring, initiatives have been drawn up: creation of an African Youth Congress Against Corruption, reconstruction of criminal justice systems in all problem áreas, and instigating all nations to join the AUCPCC.
For the first time in over 50 years, the fight for anti-corruption will become the key focus for leaders, continentally. Due to his impeccable track record, African leaders have elected President Buhari as the figurehead and champion for Africa’s anti-corruption year. By taking on this responsibility, Nigeria will continue to lead by example and maintain an active role in aiding our fellow African nations to follow suit.
Thank you for your insights Nigeria! It looks like you have a good understanding of your countries position in this discussion. In preparation for debate, think about why "Although established leaders all signed this, few have followed suit with their promises" and how you can build solutions that safeguard against this.
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