“In a state where corruption abounds, laws must be very numerous” Tacitus
Following his recent signing of an MOU with the ACC that effectively plugged them into the UK system for tracking and combating corruption, High Commissioner Ian Hughes has posted a new blog on why corruption is particularly dangerous for Salone. He said “winning the battle against it is essential to address the chronic poverty and deliver prosperity to a nation celebrating its 50th birthday”. (Photo: Ian Hughes signing MOU)
Sierra Leone has a corruption problem, and Britain is leading efforts to help deal with it. Sometimes I am called a hypocrite for this: how dare Britain criticise corruption here when it exists in Britain too! Not so?
Critics who say this misread our motive. Britain does not judge Sierra Leone: corruption is a fact of life everywhere, a crime that stems from human greed just like theft and fraud. As Tacitus told his Roman readers, all countries have to arm themselves with laws to deter, prevent and detect it. All countries need to work together vigorously to keep it in check.
Corruption is particularly dangerous for Sierra Leone. It diverts development funds, undermines social programmes and distorts government decisions. Winning the battle against it is essential to address the chronic poverty and deliver prosperity to a nation celebrating its 50th birthday.
Sierra Leone has effective anti-corruption legislation and an active Anti Corruption Commission (ACC). I am pleased that the UK is helping by providing encouragement, technical advice and financial support through DFID. But Sierra Leoneans decide priorities, investigate allegations, prosecute the accused and determine their fate: the progress made is entirely theirs.
Ian Hughes, British High Commission, Sierra Leone
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