Corruption is a “serious problem” in 40 of the 46 states in sub-Saharan Africa, according to a new report by anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International (TI).
It ranked Somalia – which has not had an effective central government since the overthrow of long-serving ruler Siad Barre in 1991 – as the most corrupt in the world, along with highly repressive North Korea.
“This year’s index presents a worrying picture, with 40 of 46 countries [in sub-Saharan Africa] showing a serious corruption problem and no improvement for continent powerhouses Nigeria and South Africa,” TI said.
“Indicators for rule of law and justice score particularly badly.
While some governments are reducing risks for business, there’s little change for citizens – as systemic corruption leaves many countries struggling to uphold basic rule of law,” it added.
However, there had been an improvement in several countries, notably Senegal where the government had introduced a series of anti-corruptions laws, TI said.
Its anti-corruption index is based on expert opinions of public sector corruption, looking at a range of factors like whether government officials are held to account or go unpunished for corruption, the perceived prevalence of bribery, and whether public institutions respond to citizens’ needs.
ABOVE PHOTO: Man counting dollars, Experts say corruption level is high in most African countries.