Corruption is a complex social, political and economic phenomenon that affects all countries. Yesterday, the eighth UN sponsored ‘International Anti-Corruption Day’, the UK restated its commitment to tackling the problem both at home and abroad. I am strongly committed to the anti-corruption cause and a keen promoter of transparency within government and civil society.
The problem
Yemen is no stranger to corruption. The international anti-corruption organisation Transparency International ranked Yemen as the eleventh most corrupt country in world, and the most corrupt country in the Gulf region. The Government, with the support of the international community, must do better.
The ill-effects
Corruption in Yemen is undermining the formation of effective and transparent institutions, such as a fully functioning parliament that holds the government to account. Corruption is also crippling economic development. It means that only a select few get access to oil, gas and fuel subsidy contracts. It massively inflates the public sector wage bill by making payments to civil servants and army officers who don’t actually exist. Corruption also discourages new small businesses start-ups, and deters foreign investment into the country. This is not acceptable.
Most Yemenis experience some form of corruption on a daily basis. With corruption on such a large-scale, the Government can’t afford to pay for essential services, infrastructure, nor get the international support it needs to develop the economy and reduce aid dependency. The ultimate losers are the people of Yemen.
But all is not lost
Yemen does have a legal and institutional framework to combat corruption, and some positive steps have been taken. The 2006 anti-corruption law and the establishment of the Supreme National Authority for Combating Corruption are a good start. The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) is supporting domestic voices demanding greater accountability and transparency from the Government. DFID is also looking to support tax reform and improved public financial management. In his visit to Yemen yesterday, British Minister of State for International Development Alan Duncan MP told journalists, ‘Corruption in any form is unacceptable. Fuel subsidies have become a form of corruption, making the rich richer and giving no real benefit to the poor.’
But Yemenis and the international community must do better. The fight against corruption in Yemen needs more leadership and capacity at all levels, and better cooperation between government bodies. The international community also needs to agree the best way to support Yemen.
I firmly believe that the culture of corruption can be tackled, but it will take time. The people of Yemen need to see that their Government is taking this issue seriously and is publicly taking action. The upcoming mobile 3G and 4G licensing could provide an opportunity to show how an open and transparent tendering process can serve everybody’s interests. I’d be keen to hear your thoughts in the meantime on other ways you think corruption can stamped out in Yemen for good.
Statements:
Joint UK Ministerial statement on International Anti-Corruption Day