Afghanistan Struggles to Combat Corruption, Despite Progress in Some Areas

Kabal, Afghanistan: A Pervasive Problem

Corruption remains a significant issue in Afghanistan, with almost all Afghans believing it is a major problem in their daily lives. According to recent surveys, 83.7% of Afghans consider corruption a significant problem, while 13.1% view it as minor.

Government Efforts Fall Short

The Afghan government has taken some steps to combat corruption, including the establishment of anti-corruption agencies and the publication of budget documents. However, experts argue that these efforts are hindered by:

• Lack of coordination among different agencies
• Duplication of functions
• Limited budgets

Political Elite Remains Immune to Accountability

The political elite remains largely immune from accountability, with many officials moving freely between government and business positions without legal restrictions. Lobbying is also prevalent in Afghan politics, but it is not recognized under Afghan law and lacks regulation.

Asset Disclosure Regime Needs Improvement

While the country’s asset disclosure regime has improved, verification of declarations remains weak, undermining the gains made. Whistleblowers are also deterred from reporting corruption due to fear for their personal safety and lack of trust in law enforcement agencies and the judiciary.

Recommendations for Effective Anti-Corruption Efforts

To combat corruption effectively, Transparency International recommends that the Afghan government:

• Include a formal mechanism in its anti-corruption plan for incorporating civil society in its implementation
• Ensure strong, measurable targets and indicators for measuring progress against each aspect of Goal 16
• Consider corruption in the development and implementation of all anti-corruption targets and indicators

International Community’s Role

The international community can play a crucial role in supporting Afghanistan’s anti-corruption efforts by providing technical assistance and resources to help strengthen anti-corruption institutions and mechanisms.

Key Takeaways

• Corruption remains a significant problem in Afghanistan, with 83.7% of Afghans considering it a major issue
• The Afghan government has taken some steps to combat corruption, but more needs to be done to address the root causes of the problem
• Incorporating civil society and ensuring strong, measurable targets and indicators are essential for effective anti-corruption efforts
• The international community can play a crucial role in supporting Afghanistan’s anti-corruption efforts by providing technical assistance and resources