Kigali: The African Anti-Corruption Day is celebrated on 11th July every year. Rwanda will join the other African Countries to commemorate this Day of 11/07/2020 through different activities organized by The Office of The Ombudsman.
African Anti-corruption Day
The African Union, through the 30th Session of The Executive Council of 27-30/01/2017, designated 11 July as the African Anti-corruption Day, following the adoption of The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption on 11 July 2003 in Maputo, Mozambique.
This Day is the occasion for Member States of African Union, the Private Sector, Non-Governmental Organizations, the Media, Citizens across the Continent and Diaspora to raise awareness on the negative impact of corruption and join forces in combating corruption in Africa.
It is also the time to recognize the progress made, to call upon the Countries to re-examine themselves in the fight against corruption and to take necessary actions in this combat.
The progress made in our Country is highlighted by the ranking of Rwanda in International Reports such as Transparency International. In 2019, Corruption Perception Index ranked Rwanda first (1st) in East Africa, fourth (4th) in Africa (following Seychelles, Botswana and Cabo Verde), and 51st in The World. However, despite this good performance, a lot is still to be done, but the political will is a big opportunity to combat corruption in Rwanda.
Financial flows
In 2015, African Development Bank estimated that Africa loses about USD 148 billion dollars annually to corrupt practices ie twenty-five (25%) of its Gross Domestic Product.
That is why in order to deal with criminals who steal public funds and hide them in foreign Countries, it is necessary to promote cooperation between States with a particular focus on informations exchange in the identification of stolen property, search for evidence, and recovery and return of assets.
The theme of the African Anti-Corruption Day
This year 2020 will mark the fourth (4th) edition of the African Anti-Corruption Day under the theme “Fighting Corruption Through Effective and Efficient Judicial Systems” as approved by African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AUABC).
This theme makes it clear that fair justice is an important pillar in the fight against corruption. When justice is not served properly, when justice is not provided for by law, it provides a huge gap for perpetrators to be brought to the courts. The Justice Sector Members must also feel that they must be the light of the beholders and avoid anything that tarnishes their image; justice delivered on time is a key pillar of high expectations of the population in the fight against corruption.
The obstacles in fighting corruption
The obstacles that the Anti-Corruption Agencies/ Law Enforcement Agencies often face in the fight against corruption stem largely from the nature of corruption. Corruption is a crime that is often committed in great secrecy and perpetrated by both parties who have an interest in it and few people report corruption (86.8% didn’t report corruption cases, Rwanda Bribery Index 2019).
Another obstacle comes from the negative solidarity and people who hide their assets or property to their relatives and friends (abashumba).
Activities to be organized on the African Anti-Corruption Day
In light of challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, the following activities will be organized from 04th July 2020:
– Radio and TV Talk Shows;
– Press release;
– Radio drama entitled “Urugamba Rugomba Umucyo”;
– Radio and TV adverts;
– Social Media.
Key message of this African Anti-Corruption Day 2020
The message of The Office of The Ombudsman on this African Anti-corruption Day is to remind all citizens that corruption is dust, it hampers the development of the Nation and its People, and leads to injustice. The Office of The Ombudsman is also reminding that the fight against corruption is everyone’s responsibility; everyone has to play his/ her part in fighting corruption and striving for integrity.
Reporting corruption is also everyone’s responsibility. Information on corruption can be provided by calling 199, texting through 1990 or emailing on rwanyaruswa@ombudsman.gov.rw .
Strive for corruption-free Country, better services and sustainable development. (End)