Many factors have contributed to the destabilization of regional peace and security in Africa, including the failure of macroeconomics, climate change, famine, poverty, terrorism, human trafficking, drugs, etc., but the pivotal characteristic impacting all these factors is corruption, both on the individual and systemic levels.
Corruption in its varied forms is the abuse of entrusted power for private gain, in public and private sectors, and includes, bribery, embezzlement, kickbacks, and most seriously, represents the destruction of trust and the glorification of greed.
Although some consider corruption as a human trait that is genetically embedded in all of us, many believe that corruption can be controlled through the application of fundamental principles, including: religious and moral training, good governance, transparency, as well as stiffer penalties and tougher sanctions to those who get caught in corrupt and immoral behavior.
The word “corruption” comes from the Latin verb “corruptus” (to break); it literally means broken object and a “broken” community or country is never at peace. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime labels corruption as “a crime against development, democracy, education, prosperity, public health and justice — what many would consider the pillars of social well being.”
While governments commit large sums to addressing the many problems impeding development, corruption remains a major destabilizing force in African societies. Anti-corruption measures are needed as part of Africa’s development agenda to ensure future growth and prosperity. Unless corruption is brought under control, then the cycle of despair is only doomed to repeat itself for the next generation.