Financial Crime World

Lesotho Makes Progress in Fighting Corruption, but Bureaucratic Graft Remains Persistent

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Despite significant strides in combating corruption, Lesotho still struggles with petty corruption and bureaucratic malfeasance, according to a report by the World Bank Institute.

Progress Made

Lesotho’s ranking on the control of corruption index has improved from 43 in 2003 to position 61 out of 100, reflecting its progress. However, key informants have identified several forms of corruption that continue to plague the country.

Forms of Corruption

  • Bureaucratic corruption, also known as petty corruption, remains a major issue, with citizens often forced to pay bribes to obtain driving licenses or secure government contracts.
    • The Ministry of Works and Public Transport has been cited as a particularly egregious offender.
  • Widespread corruption in procurement processes has led to inflated prices for goods and services.
  • Grand corruption still occurs in high-profile cases, such as the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA)–Sabi Sand National Park scandal.

Efforts to Address Corruption

The government has established several anti-corruption agencies, including the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offenses (DCEO), which has been working to promote public education, prevention, investigation, and prosecution. The DCEO has implemented a three-pronged strategy aimed at promoting zero tolerance for corruption and economic offenses:

  • Public outreach campaigns
  • Workshops
  • Biannual national school debates on the negative effects of corruption

Challenges Remain

Despite these efforts, challenges remain:

  • The government’s failure to depoliticize the civil service has led to ongoing patronage appointments, which have rocked the country and caused instability.
  • Mobilizing democratic forces from below and forging a strong civil society are crucial in combating corruption effectively.

International Best Practices

Lesotho can learn from international best practices in countries like Botswana and Hong Kong. The report highlights the importance of sustained effort and commitment to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability.

Conclusion

As the government continues to grapple with corruption, it is clear that sustained effort and commitment are needed to address these issues and ensure transparency and accountability. Lesotho’s progress in combating corruption is a step in the right direction, but more work needs to be done to eradicate bureaucratic graft and promote a culture of integrity.