African Heads of State have been encouraged to put an end to the $100 billion in annual theft from the continent by domestic and foreign allies, which accounts for almost 25% of the continent’s GDP.
Stolen funds is sufficient to transform Africa
According to reports, the stolen money would be sufficient to change Africa into one of the most beautiful continents in a year, where the teeming population today plagued by poverty, famine, and hunger would have access to nice roads, social security, health care, and education.
Participants in the 33rd Anti-Corruption Situation Room conference, which was held in Abuja with assistance from the MacArthur Foundation, made these demands in addition to calling for the establishment of an international anti-corruption court to bring charges against Africans who steal public funds.
They contend that sanctions should also be applied to European and American nations that receive such nefarious contributions.
Anti- Corruption group seminar
Former Senegalese Prime Minister and Club de Madrid member Aminata Toure attended the seminar held by the anti-corruption group Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA Resource Centre).
According to a statement made on Wednesday by Nurudeen Salako, the communication officer for HEDA, the Club of Madrid is an event featuring about 100 former presidents and prime ministers from over 70 different nations.
Among the many international anti-corruption experts who attended the conference were representatives of the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption, the Economic Community of West African States, the Nigerian Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, the Commissioner, Anti-Corruption Commission of Sierra Leone, the International Anti-Corruption Steering Treaty Drafting Committee, Justice Richard Goldstone, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and the former Chief Judge of Anambra State, Justice Peter Umeadi.
Putting an end to theft of public funds
One of the suggestions offered by the participants was to put an end to the widespread theft of public cash.
Following discussion, the panelists agreed that corruption is a serious barrier to prosperity, human development, and economic growth on a worldwide scale.
“Corruption threatens Africa’s stability, undermines institutions, feeds poverty, and poses a threat to progress. In Africa, corruption is a major driver of conflict, suffering, and extremism. To eradicate the plague, the government and the people must work together, the statement emphasized.
Centre a conversation on corruption
The attendees urged the continent to center a conversation on corruption around regional issues. They noticed that fears of corporate domination of the state are legitimate when corruption spreads its wings.
“Blockades caused by privileges that put particular people above the law and order should be eliminated. The recommendation stated that host countries should return stolen funds, including both the capital and extra income earned over the years from banking such illegal monies.
Jerrymusa.com reports that African nations were advised to provide vivid descriptions of corruption problems as they affect security, health, and education so that regular people may relate to and understand them.
Need for renewed capacity building
According to them, “there is a need for renewed capacity building for judges with a new curriculum that addresses corruption, while there should be secured tenure of office for drivers of anti-corruption institutions.”
The panelists also suggested that the UNCAC be changed to enable the creation of an International Anti-Corruption Court, which would ensure that criminals are prosecuted both domestically and in nations where the proceeds of crime are located.
They urged the necessity of independent auditing of political candidates before elections in order to ensure successful service delivery.
Nigeria to raise Anti-Corruption standing
“In order to reflect her position as the continent’s largest economy, Nigeria needs to raise its anti-corruption standing. Constant education and knowledge are required. To successfully combat corruption, ECOWAS and its regional institutions should be strengthened, they noted.
The participants applauded the HEDA Resource Center for its dedication to the fight against corruption at great risk to its officials, while the MacArthur Foundation and Integrity Initiative International were greatly appreciated for their support. They also called for the establishment of an African Network of Friends of the International Anti-Corruption Court to be led by HEDA.