From time to time corruption in Africa hits the international headlines. However, for people living in the countryside, this is part of their daily reality. The language of corruption is also prevalent in all walks of life and unfortunately an accepted part of everyday life. Corruption manifests itself in many ways. Unfortunately, many anti-corruption initiatives can actually prolong the actions they have taken to end corruption. The question then is how can we effectively combat corruption in Africa today?
Superficial measures have been taken so far, such as setting up a new government ministry that does nothing but hide the problem or shift it to another sector. This is an ironic reality that hasn’t really addressed the ingrained roots of the problem.
Here are 5 mindless ways we are fighting corruption in Africa today and the best ways to fight it:
Why must corruption be fought in Africa?
Africa is rightly a focus of many aid programs, and it has some of the poorest people in the world. Altruistic organizations and individuals seek to solve a variety of social and natural problems through donations of financial or material assistance. However, these donations are deterred when the donor suspects that the aid is not reaching its intended recipient and is instead being directed to a corrupt individual. For this reason it is important to fight corruption in Africa in a smart way.
Corrupt local officials
The way local officials are selected or punished is a good example of initiatives that are doomed to fail. After a scandal, the public demands that those responsible be dismissed and that an investigation be carried out. Unfortunately, corruption may be so widespread that those responsible for the investigation are also subject to corrupt influences. Those found guilty can face a minor punishment and will later be reinstated in a more discreet post. This is something we need to watch out for if we are to take the fight against corruption in Africa seriously
Corrupt international officials
Corruption in Africa is said to be contagious. Foreign workers from members of international organizations may be tempted by the financial rewards that lie ahead. In a situation where the normally honest worker is corrupt, he or she might question whether it is foolish not to engage in corruption. Especially when the penalties are so light. Regular staff rotation and a quality review system are vital to fighting corruption in Africa.
Inefficient bureaucracy
Fraud or corruption can evade detection for many years because of the dire situation when it comes to paperwork. Many complain that it is impossible to follow an audit trail, and in many cases records remain incomplete or sit on desks for years. Responses to bad bureaucracy have made the situation worse. For example, Mali set up a ministry to reduce government spending in response to criticism that the government is overspending. Tanzania, for example, set up a Ministry of Transparency to fight corruption, but it was staffed by many of the same people who were reportedly being investigated.
Corrupt educational programs
Although entered into with a noble spirit, these programs can do more harm than good. Aimed at businesses and government officials, the course will highlight common fraud cases and illustrate the consequences of participating in the system. For some participants, however, these programs provide the blueprints for committing fraud. The average participant has heard of scams, but not necessarily the methods used. However, it’s unlikely they’ve heard of anyone being fined for cheating. The techniques of these programs can actually be put into practice.
Fighting corruption in Africa at the wrong level
Many ordinary citizens look at officials and say, if they can get away with corrupt activities, why not try it themselves? Since corruption filters down, campaigns should be targeted to the top level. Instead of trying to punish the common man who wants to make a few extra pennies, those who get the most benefit should be captured and punished.
If examples are given for the leaders, the general population will be less inclined to follow in their footsteps. However, without such guidance, the current system is likely to remain in place.
In conclusion, the epidemic of corruption in Africa is far from cured. An entire culture of transplantation needs to be eradicated. Trying to find people to do this job is difficult as corruption is rampant throughout the system. Rebuilding trust is a task for a new generation to do, and the school system will be at the forefront of this fight.