Guinea’s Fight Against Corruption in Bauxite Sector Gathers Momentum
As world leaders gather at the 21st International Anti-Corruption Conference (IACC) in Vilnius, Guinea’s anti-corruption efforts in its lucrative bauxite sector are making headlines. A coalition of civil society organizations has been working tirelessly to diagnose corruption risks and develop an action plan to strengthen transparency and accountability mechanisms.
Diagnosing Corruption Risks
The report, published earlier this year, identified critical corruption issues in:
- Mining licensing
- Tax practices
- Transparency in mining agreements
- Undervaluation of bauxite quality and transfer pricing on revenues
This diagnosis was supported by the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (EITI) Guinea and the National Agency for Combating Corruption (ANLC).
Sparking a National Debate
The publication of the report has sparked a national debate on corruption, with numerous press articles and television programs highlighting the identified risks. The civil society coalition is now pressing authorities to implement reforms and review mining policies.
Challenges Persist
Despite promising initial steps, challenges persist, including:
- Limited civil society monitoring capacity
- Media space restrictions
- Sensitivities around anti-corruption work
However, government officials are committed to revising the anticorruption law to enhance ANLC’s capacity to function effectively and independently.
Key Recommendations Implemented
The EITI Guinea has incorporated several key recommendations from the action plan into its 2024 workplan and budget, including:
- Modernizing the mining cadastre
- Improving transparency in license issuance
- Strengthening the capacities of mining employees
Quotes
“The revision of the anticorruption law is crucial to strengthen our legislative framework and continue current authorities’ efforts for more effective and sustainable anti-corruption measures,” said Alpha Abdoulaye Diallo, National Transitional Council (CNT) member.
The Way Forward
As Guinea seeks to capitalize on its vast bauxite reserves, anti-corruption efforts are critical to ensuring that the benefits of this “transition mineral” reach citizens. The government must prioritize institutional reform and support notable efforts by the ANLC and EITI- Guinea ahead of the upcoming EITI validation in 2025.
Conclusion
With international attention focused on Guinea’s bauxite sector, civil society organizations are urging authorities to recognize the importance of anti-corruption measures in ensuring a more transparent and accountable mining industry.