More than 50 countries on the continent have already signed and ratified the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption.
That was confirmed by the outgoing Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption (AUBC) Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, from Senegal, during the just concluded 49th Ordinary Session held in Arusha and which marks another crucial step in strengthening anti-corruption efforts and promoting good governance in Africa.
On the other hand, the recent accession of the African Union to the world’s twenty largest economies (G20) has further broadened the base for cooperation and partnerships through the Anti- Corruption Working Group.
“But recording the ratification of 50 out of 54 African states, with more expected to soon sign the convention, is still not enough, there are a lot more needed to be done,” pointed out Ndiaye Diakhate who has just completed her term.
During the meeting in Arusha, the new Board Chairperson, Eden Kwami Senanu from Ghana, reminded that the recent report from the United Nations (UN) indicates that Africa suffers an annual loss of approximately USD 88.6 billion mostly due to corruption, including illicit financial flows.
“Those are usually the funds that our countries borrow from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) or the World Bank (WB) to address economic and infrastructural challenges, only for the monies to be squandered,” said Kwami Senanu.
But to address that, already the ‘African Union Advisory Board against Corruption,’ which is based in Arusha, Tanzania, has started a process to empower its 55 member states to strengthen their legal regimes in the continental war against graft in high places.
This, according to AUABC, is to ensure that corruption is minimized throughout their jurisdiction in sync with the ongoing operation aimed at asset recovery.
The AUABC is also putting together an anti-corruption research network to undertake more studies on what is happening in various countries and how to tackle it more strongly and strengthen assets recovery.
It was stated that, despite difficulties and challenges, especially from high-ranking officials, the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption is still on track to recover money and valuable assets stolen from the continent and stashed overseas.
The African Union Advisory Board against Corruption held its 49th Ordinary Session in Arusha, Tanzania.
The week-long session addressed, among other things, critical issues in the fight against corruption across the African continent.
Also among the agenda was the swearing-in ceremony for new Board Members, the election of a new Bureau, and the presentation of activity reports from the outgoing Bureau and the Secretariat.
Key discussions focused on the implementation of the AUABC Strategic Plan and 2025 Work Plan.
The Board sessions received Country Rapporteurs’ reports and reports on the review and sensitization missions to Ghana, Egypt, and Côte d’Ivoire.
During the meeting the Board discussed the modalities for the 9th edition of the Annual African Anti-Corruption Day and African Anti-Corruption Dialogue.
The AUABC is committed to promoting and fostering a culture of zero tolerance for corruption in Africa.
Meanwhile here are the newly sworn in AUABC Board Members
Hon. Edem Kwami Senanu from Ghana, elected for the second term
Hon. Yvonne Mutepuka Chibiya from Zambia, elected for a second term
Hon. Benjamin Kiunsi Kapera from Tanzania, elected for the first term
Hon. Absatou Ly Diallo from Senegal, elected for the first term
Hon. Graciano Franscisco Domingos from Angola, elected for the first term
These will serve for six years.
And this is the new Bureau for African Union Advisory Board against Corruption
Board Chairperson: Hon. Edem Kwami Senanu from Ghana
Vice Board Chairperson: Hon. Yvonne Mutepuka Chibiya from Zambia
Rapportuer: Hon. Principe Ntibasume from Burundi
The team will serve for the next two years.