On 11th July 2022, Transparency International Rwanda (TI-RW) with other anti-corruption stakeholders in Rwanda celebrated the sixth African Anti-Corruption Day under the theme : "Strategies and Mechanisms for the Transparent Management of Covid-19 Funds”.
As part of the commemoration, TI-RW Chairperson Marie Immaculée Ingabire participated in the talk show held on Isango Star Radio and TV. The show also featured Hon. Chief Ombudsperson, Madeleine Nirere and President of African Parliamentarian’s Network Against Corruption (APNAC Rwanda), Hon. Francois Habiyakare.
In her remarks, TI-RW Chairperson commended the existing high political will and efforts made by the government of Rwanda to fight corruption. She, however, noted that there is a need of collective actions to ensure that sound measures and laws in place are effectively enforced.
“Let us all work together to make sure that zero tolerance is fully achieved. Despite all efforts made, we still have a journey to walk. It is up to all anticorruption stakeholders to collaborate so that we can realize our aspirations,” Ingabire underscored.
Hinging on the progress made by the government to fight corruption, Hon. Chief Ombudsperson, Madeleine Nirere reiterated that a lot has been achieved but added that all and sundry’s commitment is needed to have a corruption-free country.
“We still have a lot to do to realize the country’s Vision 2050 and the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1). In so doing, all anticorruption institutions are needed to fulfil their responsibilities but, more importantly, we need to make sure that citizens fully understand their prerequisite role in the fight against corruption. Moreover, the contribution of media is also vital in this fight.” Hon. Chief Ombudsperson added.
Hon. Francois Habiyakare, President of African Parliamentarian’s Network Against Corruption (APNAC Rwanda) called upon the harmonization of collaboration of all anti-corruption stakeholders as the surefire way to share information, increase citizens’ awareness on the negative effects of corruption. He noted that the level of reporting remains low and urged all actors to make sure that whistleblowers are protected.
As per findings of Rwanda Bribery Index (RBI) 2021, low level of reporting remains to be among the challenges impeding the fight against corruption. 89.4% did not report with the main reason being fear of self-incrimination (26%). Others (22%) said that it did not occur to them that they needed to report while 21% said they knew no action would be taken even if they reported.
According to 2021 Corruption Perception Index (CPI) by Transparency International, Rwanda is ranked fifth as the least corrupt country in Africa, 52nd globally and the first in East Africa with 53% points. The global average score stands at 43%.