Rédaction Africa Links 24 with lexpress
Published on 2024-03-22 02:45:00
Yesterday, the steering committee tasked with developing the new anti-corruption strategy met for the first time. They have nine months to finalize consultations and develop an action plan for the next decade.
The process is underway. The establishment of the new national anti-corruption strategy (SNLCC) was officially launched at the steering committee meeting yesterday at the brand new offices of the Committee for Integrity Safeguarding (CSI) in Andohatapenaka.
This campaign against corruption is part of a ten-year perspective. The current strategy dates back to 2015 and will expire in early 2025. Following a communication during the cabinet meeting on February 7, the steering committee is expected to present the new “roadmap” for the fight against corruption on December 9. This date coincides with the World Anti-Corruption Day.
During the inauguration of the new CSI offices on February 15, Sahondra Rabenarivo, the organization’s president, emphasized the importance of an inclusive approach. This inclusivity aims to involve all institutional, operational, governmental, private sector, civil society actors, and the general population.
“The last time the strategy was adopted, it did not receive enough support, neither from the government nor the population,” lamented the CSI president. This observation follows some resistance, misunderstanding, or lack of awareness of the objectives and stakes of the SNLCC applied from 2015 to 2025. This led to the amendment of the law establishing the Anti-Corruption Poles (PAC), initiated by MP Keron Idealson, elected in Ampanihy Andrefana.
Result
For the population, concerns mainly revolve around the tangible results and impacts of the fight against corruption on national life and the economy. For these citizens, only the final outcome matters, especially regarding the crackdown on major corruption.
Public opinion is often lost in the confusion between politics and anti-corruption efforts. Political or economic actors with political ties often denounce a “witch hunt” in this fight. In this regard, the Independent Anti-Corruption Bureau (BIANCO) defended itself by explaining that holders of political or economic power are more likely to engage in abuse or malpractice.
In addition to the February 15 event, Sahondra Rabenarivo highlighted that the fight against corruption includes both prevention and repression. This is what the new strategy will focus on, according to her. The SNLCC, in effect since 2015, aimed to reform the legal framework, accompanied by the establishment of various anti-corruption and enforcement entities, including PAC and the Agency for the Recovery of Illicit Assets (ARAI).
“Now that everything is in place, and the various institutions have gained experience, it is time to reflect on what works and what doesn’t, what is effective and what is not,” added the CSI president. The Integrity Safeguard Committee plays a role in coordinating and evaluating the Anti-Corruption System (SAC).
An analysis of the situation, through an assessment of corruption and a diagnosis of the measures taken, will be the first step in developing the new SNLCC. Regional and sectoral consultations will follow. The new strategy will also include new components, such as corruption in sports, sexual corruption, and the impacts of corruption on gender issues.
The objective is for the new national anti-corruption strategy to address the shortcomings of the current one, taking into account on-the-ground realities. A pragmatic approach, focused on results, both in terms of prevention and repression.
Garry Fabrice Ranaivoson
Read the original article(French) on lexpress.mg
