June 3, 2023 (Entebbe, Uganda): The IGAD Political Affairs Program Concludes the three-day Regional Consultative Workshop on Building Regional Alliance Against Corruption; aims to consolidate efforts in combating corruption across the IGAD region. The Workshop took place between the 1st to 3rd June 2023 in the serene city of Entebbe, Uganda. With its picturesque surroundings and conducive environment, Entebbe provided an ideal setting for constructive discussions and collaborative endeavors.
The workshop brought together leaders from IGAD member states’ anti-corruption institutions, senior law enforcement officials, and representatives from agencies specializing in anti-corruption efforts. IGAD Member States sent three delegates each, creating a diverse and dynamic forum for knowledge exchange and collaboration.
Corruption, a pervasive issue that plagues societies worldwide, cripples development, distorts the distribution of wealth, and undermines democracy and the rule of law. In recognition of this formidable challenge, the IGAD Political Affairs program, as part of its mission to promote good governance, the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, organised the Regional Consultative Workshop on Building Regional Alliance Against Corruption.
Acknowledging the deficits in democratic governance, the rule of law, and the protection of human rights, the 2021-2025 Peace and Security Division’s Strategic Plan recognize the urgent need to address corruption and its detrimental effects on society.
The workshop concluded reading outlet objectives were, but not limited to:
- Promote the ratification, domestication, and implementation of continental and international legal instruments, specifically the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (the Maputo Convention).
- Enhance technical skills in advocacy against corruption, including anti-money laundering, combating illicit financial flows, asset recovery, and legal practices in anti-corruption.
- Foster a regional alliance against corruption, establishing a platform for collaboration among anti-corruption institutions of IGAD member states.
- Learn from the anti-corruption experiences of other Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and build consensus on the importance of developing a regional protocol against corruption.
Participants at the end of the workshop were able to have a clear understanding of the Maputo Convention and the status of its implementation, as well as familiarity with the UN Convention Against Corruption, as well as enhance their technical skills in preventing and combating corruption, encompassing advocacy, anti-money laundering, countering illicit financial flows, and asset recovery.
Additionally, they reached a consensus to strengthen collaboration between anti-corruption institutions of IGAD member states and to develop a regional protocol against corruption, aligning with the efforts of other RECs.
The workshop was facilitated by knowledgeable resource persons and experts in corruption issues, national, continental, and international anti-corruption legal frameworks. The participants engaged in a variety of interactive training methods, including presentations, group discussions, and audio-visual resources. This inclusive approach actively involve participants, ensuring an enriching and empowering learning experience.
The fight against corruption requires a united front and concerted efforts. The IGAD Regional Consultative Workshop on Building Regional Alliance Against Corruption served as a critical platform to strengthen collaboration, enhance skills, and chart a collective path forward in combating corruption in the IGAD region. Through this workshop, IGAD member states worked together, inspired by the shared goal of promoting good governance.
At the end of the workshop, an outcome statement was issued, and the participants agreed on the formation of a regional platform with a representative from each member state to develop and oversee the protocol and wholistically aid the fight against corruption.
Click here to download the Outcome Statement.
