Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Shelleygan Petersen
Published on 2024-03-09 06:00:00
The African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM) recently conducted an assessment of the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in Namibia and found that the commission has a mixed record of performance, particularly when it comes to holding powerful individuals accountable for corruption. The assessment was launched by President Nangolo Mbumba and included meetings with various sectors of society, including the executive, judiciary, legislature, civil society, and the private sector across all 14 regions of Namibia.
One of the key findings of the APRM assessment is that many Namibians believe the procurement system in the country is rigged in favor of the powerful, well-connected, and influential individuals, which does not promote competitiveness, transparency, and fairness. This lack of accountability for corruption among the powerful has led to a loss of public confidence in the ACC, making it challenging for the commission to effectively carry out its duties in fighting corruption and money laundering.
Local analysts and commentators have also expressed concerns about the ACC’s ability to hold powerful individuals accountable for corruption. The panel recommended that decisions on prosecuting cases of corruption should be made by officials who are protected from undue pressure, in order to ensure impartiality and integrity in the process.
ACC spokesperson Josephine Nghituwamata acknowledged the findings of the APRM assessment but did not provide a comment at the time of publication. However, ACC Director General Paulus Noa has emphasized the importance of fighting against corruption in Namibia, as it not only damages the economy but also undermines democracy, the rule of law, and good governance. The ACC has been intensifying its efforts to investigate and prosecute cases of corruption to address the issue.
In addition to concerns about corruption, the APRM also highlighted the treatment of marginalized communities in Namibia, particularly the indigenous people who are being deprived of their land rights by more powerful neighbors and elites. The government was condemned for dispossessing these communities of their land, which has a significant impact on their way of living and cultural identity.
The APRM recommended that the government urgently address the land rights of marginalized communities to ensure that they feel fully included in the nation and have equal rights as the rest of the population. The struggles of marginalized communities, such as the San community, were further emphasized, with calls for urgent measures to address historical injustices and improve their living conditions.
Former member of parliament Mike Kavekotora and Unam lecturer Rui Tyitende highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of marginalized communities, such as food, shelter, health facilities, and education, to prevent further suffering. They emphasized the need for a bottom-up approach in formulating and implementing policies to ensure that the voices and needs of affected communities are taken into account.
In conclusion, the APRM assessment of the ACC in Namibia has highlighted the challenges of corruption and the treatment of marginalized communities in the country. Addressing these issues will require collective efforts from all sectors of society, as well as a commitment to accountability, transparency, and inclusivity in governance.
Read the original article on The Namibian
