29 Nov 2018

President Dr Mokgweetsi Masisi says corruption is the most universal impediment to socio-economic development.

Officially opening the African Union high level dialogue on democracy, human rights and governance, he said corruption remained the biggest threat to the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

He said it was appropriate that that conference is held under the theme: ‘Winning the Fight Against Corruption-A sustainable path to Africa’s transformation’ as it had been reported that Africa lost over US$ 50 billion annually through illicit financial flows.

“Through various activities and initiatives within the context of the theme of the year, the AU aims to rally various segments of the African society, including AU organs, institutions, regional economic communities (RECs) and the member states; civil society organisations, as well as citizens including youth, women and media, to address the urgent need to fight corruption and impunity on the continent as a sustainable path to a prosperous and peaceful Africa,” he said.

President Masisi described corruption as a complex social, political and economic phenomenon affecting all countries and undermined democratic institutions thereby slowing down economic development and contributing to political instability.

He said corruption was an insidious plague that undermined democracy and led to violations of human rights, distorted markets and eroded the quality of life.
Saying most of the conflicts in Africa were etched in the competition for resources and access to state power, Dr Masisi said the lack of due regard for basic human rights also continued to ferment tensions resulting in the perpetuation of conflicts,.

He said the a situation bred corruption and political instability thereby impeding the much needed economic progress in Africa.

The president said according to African Union Agenda 2063, the continent might not be able to realise inclusive growth and sustainability development because of corruption.

He said corruption was correctly identified as a risk and impediment to the attainment of good governance, democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law of Agenda 2063.
Africa, he said, was blessed with resources, which had in most cases not translated into growth and wealth for the continent as the proceeds of these exports had not brought about meaningful economic growth and transformation, primarily due to corrupt acts that resulted in crippling the continent’s economy.

President Masisi therefore pleaded with researchers and academics to engage in work that would serve to inform Africa of the real cost of corruption across sectors and industries as it would allow for a formulation of national policies and relevant programmes and strategies to fight corruption. Ends