Rwanda hailed as African anti-graft champion

NAIROBI – The World Bank and Transparency International on Wednesday held up Rwanda as an example for its efforts in curbing corruption that other African nations should follow.

‘In Rwanda, the leadership is strongly committed to making progress against corruption, and takes very strong action when behaviour falls short of expectations,’ said Johannes Zutt, World Bank director for Kenya and five other east African nations.He cited the example of a high-ranking civil servant who was sacked for corruption in February and a former MP who was sentenced to two years in prison in August for tax evasion.Global anti-corruption watchdog Transparency International also praised Rwanda as an example for the rest of the continent during the launch of its annual report at the same press conference in Nairobi.Tanzania, where the prime minister and two other ministers resigned last year over a corruption scandal, and Mozambique also found favour in the non-governmental organisation’s eyes.’It all depends on leadership. Usually, if it is not led from the top, the legislative framework fall in a shambles,’ said Transparency International’s Kenya chief Job Ogonda.According to Transparency’s report, in developing and transition countries alone, companies colluding with corrupt politicians and officials, have paid bribes estimated at up to 40 billion dollars (27 billion euros) annually. – Nampa-AFP