Ethiopia’s Struggle to Tackle Corruption: A Review of Anti-Corruption Laws and Regulations
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Ethiopia has been grappling with sustained corruption and human rights violations since 2015, casting a dark shadow over the country’s political landscape. Despite a change in leadership in 2018, which brought hope for reform, corruption remains entrenched, taking various forms such as:
- Clientelism: the exchange of favors or services for personal gain
- Kleptocracy: the abuse of power to enrich oneself and one’s associates
- Rent seeking: the pursuit of personal financial gain through political connections
- State capture: the hijacking of government institutions for private benefit
While anti-corruption laws are strong on paper, their implementation has been inadequate, with the executive branch maintaining control over the judiciary and legislature. This lack of checks and balances has allowed corruption to persist.
Political Space Remains Closed
Ethiopia’s political space remains closed, with the ruling coalition dominating federal and regional parliamentary seats and silencing opposition voices. This lack of accountability has created an environment where human rights violations are widespread and often go unpunished.
Addressing Corruption: A Priority for the Government
The new prime minister has pledged to make addressing corruption a priority. To achieve this, the government must invest in building the capacity of institutions mandated to combat corruption. This requires:
- Strengthening institutional frameworks
- Improving accountability mechanisms
- Increasing transparency in public procurement and financial management
Conclusion
While anti-corruption laws exist in Ethiopia, their implementation is lacking. The government needs to take concrete steps to address this issue by building the capacity of institutions mandated to combat corruption. By doing so, the country can begin to rebuild trust among its citizens and create a more just and equitable society.