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Lack of Collaboration Hampers Corruption Fight, Say Experts

Freetown - The recent acquittal of accused persons in the Isha Johannsen corruption case has raised concerns about the effectiveness of Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption efforts. The case, investigated and prosecuted by Anti-Corruption officials, highlights the need for better collaboration between investigative agencies to secure successful convictions.

Isolated Incidents

The Isha Johannsen case is not an isolated incident. In 2014, three high-profile individuals, including a former Chief of Staff to the President, were charged with conspiracy, forgery, and wilful evasion of export duties in connection with a timber export scandal. However, just months into the trial, the Director of Public Prosecution made an application to the court offering no evidence against all accused persons, resulting in their acquittal.

Lack of Collaboration

Experts say that lack of collaboration between investigative agencies is a major obstacle to securing convictions in corruption cases.

“When we find out about criminals and we successfully interdict and investigate them, if they cannot successfully try them and bring them to justice then we have not completed the full cycle of fighting the threat posed by these criminals,” said a law enforcement official.

Challenges in Prosecuting Corruption Cases

The case of Dr. Richard Conteh, former Chief of Staff to the President, is a prime example of the challenges faced in prosecuting corruption cases. Conteh was accused of violating established policy and undermining institutional arrangements during a mining agreement negotiation with a private sector operator. However, just months into the investigation, the Director of Public Prosecution made an application to the court offering no evidence against all accused persons, resulting in their acquittal.

Commission of Inquiry

The launch of a Commission of Inquiry (COI) by President Julius Maada Bio in 2019 has been seen as a step towards addressing corruption. The COI was mandated to investigate allegations of corruption involving government officials and has resulted in several high-profile individuals being found culpable. However, many experts believe that more needs to be done to address the root causes of corruption.

“The fight against corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only investigating and prosecuting corruption cases but also addressing the underlying structural issues that enable corruption,” said a corruption expert. “This includes strengthening institutions, improving governance, and increasing transparency and accountability.”

Recommendations

The COI report has made several recommendations, including various fines, seizure of property, and further investigations. However, many are still waiting to see whether these recommendations will be implemented.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the lack of collaboration between investigative agencies is a major obstacle to securing successful convictions in corruption cases. The fight against corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that includes not only investigating and prosecuting corruption cases but also addressing the underlying structural issues that enable corruption.