The transitional government is taking a firm stance against corruption. During the latest Cabinet meeting, President Captain Ibrahim Traoré signed a decree aimed at encouraging Burkinabe citizens to report instances of corruption within public administrations, to combat this scourge more effectively.
A 2021 survey by the National Anti-Corruption Network (Ren-Lac) revealed that 85% of respondents had either witnessed or been subjected to corruption in Burkina Faso. However, only 3.5% of them took the initiative to lodge complaints or report these acts of malfeasance in public services.
Amidst a Challenging Atmosphere
The ministerial decree issued on March 14, 2024, aims to incentivize reporting by offering rewards, albeit unspecified, for those who expose such unethical practices to the relevant authorities. While Burkinabe specialists working on these issues welcome this general measure, they express concerns that the aspect of denunciation could potentially lead to various abuses in an increasingly challenging environment in Burkina Faso.
A Non-Functional Hotline
Moreover, it’s worth noting that there are existing channels for reporting corruption, including the Higher Authority for State Control and the Fight against Corruption. However, this institution is currently undergoing reorganization. For at least four months, the hotline for complaints has not been operational, and the webpage to access the form for reporting abuses is still under construction. The Higher Authority for State Control and the Fight against Corruption has replaced these services with a temporary phone number, although the issue remains unresolved.
In conclusion, while the government’s efforts to tackle corruption in Burkina Faso are commendable, there is a need for robust and functional mechanisms to support these initiatives effectively. Building trust in these systems and ensuring their accessibility and functionality are paramount in the ongoing fight against corruption.