Gambia Ranks 102nd Most Corrupt Country in the World
A recent Afrobarometer survey has revealed that Gambians perceive widespread corruption among public officials on the rise, with many reporting having to pay bribes to obtain public services. The country’s ranking on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is also a concern.
Corruption on the Rise in Gambia
According to the survey, 46% of respondents reported having to pay bribes to:
- Obtain police assistance or avoid problems with the police
- Get government documents and services at health facilities and schools
This is a significant increase from previous years, highlighting the need for stronger anti-corruption efforts.
Gambia’s CPI Ranking
The Gambia ranks 102nd out of 179 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), scoring 34 points out of 100. The country has signed numerous conventions to prevent and combat corruption, including:
- African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption
- Other international agreements aimed at preventing corruption
However, it lacks an effective anti-corruption commission.
Citizen Concerns about Government’s Anti-Corruption Efforts
According to the survey, two-thirds of respondents say their government is doing a poor job in fighting corruption. Only one-quarter believe people can report corruption without fear of retaliation.
Government’s Response: The Anti-Corruption Bill
The government has introduced an anti-corruption bill, but it has yet to be passed. Critics argue that the bill contains clauses that would prevent the anti-corruption commission from investigating past corruption cases.
- Concerns about accountability and transparency in governance
Reacting to the survey findings, Marr Nyang, executive director of Gambia Participates, said:
“We have not seen tangible efforts from the government in terms of fighting against corruption. Sanctioning individuals or institutions found wanting is essential for accountability.”
High-Profile Corruption Cases
The Gambian government has been accused of corruption in several high-profile cases, including:
- D10 million scandal at the Ministry of Health
- Gam-Petroleum case: D21 million misappropriated
However, only one case has resulted in public accountability.
Conclusion
The Afrobarometer survey highlights the need for the Gambia to strengthen its anti-corruption efforts and ensure that those responsible for corruption are held accountable. Until then, the country will continue to struggle with perceptions of widespread corruption among public officials.