Speeches

Anti-Corruption Statement Oct 2004

January 4, 2005

STATEMENT BY THOMAS N. HULL AMBASSADOR OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ON THE OCCASION OF THE 1ST ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL ANTI-CORRUPTION DAY IN SIERRA LEONE OCTOBER 10, 2004

Your Excellency President Kabbah, Honorable Vice President Berewa, Special Representatative of the Secretary General Mwakawago, Commissioner Collier, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen

On this the 1st Annual International Anti-Corruption Day, I would like to reaffirm the support of the United States of America for Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption efforts, and to applaud the dedication and commitment of Sierra Leone’s Anti-Corruption Commission. This occasion is not only an opportunity to identify with Sierra Leone specifically, but also to remind ourselves of the enormous cost of corruption to the world’s development. In an estimate by the World Bank, the annual cost of corruption globally is more than 80 billion dollars – more than the total of all economic assistance.

President Kabbah spoke earlier this week of the high expectations that are created when citizens are told that democracy is the best path to peace, development, and prosperity. The Anti-Corruption Commission is a case in point. The people of Sierra Leone expect the ACC to identify and convict those officials who, by their malfeasance, have betrayed the public trust, and, by extension, have betrayed the country. Given the public perception of widespread corruption among government officials, Sierra Leoneans are looking to the ACC and the promise of democracy to restore their faith in government. As the ACC intensifies its work, the National Anti-Corruption Strategy that is being developed will be an important step forward.

As a public servant, my individual reputation depends on my integrity, and the same principle applies to the reputations of countries. Sierra Leone’s reputation unfortunately has been tarnished by decades of misrule, mismanagement, and corruption by previous rulers that led the horrific violence of the past decade. A pervasive political and bureaucratic culture of corruption has evolved that has produced a dangerous public cynicism that must be reversed by regaining public trust.

As long as the culture of corruption prevails, government will not have the revenue to respond to the needs of the people; civil servants will be demoralized and unresponsive; foreign investors will be deterred; respect for law will be low and crime will rise; the economy will be crippled; and poor people will be further victimized. Foreign aid will also affected. For example, corruption is a key consideration for eligibility for President Bush’s Millenium Challenge Account that could bring to Sierra Leone many more millions of dollars of assistance. Most disturbing, however, is the stark reality that corruption is perpetuating conditions that contributed to the decade of conflict that devatated Sierra Leone. No one wants a return to the past, but unless corruption is conquered, this remains, frankly, a possibility.

President Kabbah’s recognition of corruption’s pernicious effects on democracy and development led to the establishment of the Anti-Corruption Commission. The war on corruption cannot be waged successfully by the ACC alone, however. Schools must teach from an early age that corruption is immoral. Churches and mosques must reinforce that message. The media must be a watchdog that holds officials accountable through responsible investigative journalism. Private businesses must set a standard by acting ethically. Civil servants must report illegal conduct by their colleagues. At the same time, civil servants need to be paid a living wage to reduce the temptation of corruption. Ordinary citizens must inform the government’s ombudsman whenever officials act improperly. Government, for its part, must adhere to the rule of law by vigilantly and vigorously prosecuting theft, extortion, and conflict of interest by its officials, and also encourage whistleblowers and journalists to expose those whose actions defile Sierra Leone’s reputation.

The Government and people of Sierra Leone have international allies. The British Government’s partnership with the ACC and support for reforming the police, judiciary, and military has been particularly significant. My own country, the United States of America, has focused on good governance and the diamonds that have fueled so much of the corruption. We have recently extended by two years and two million dollars our Integrated Diamond Management project that has created the Peace Diamond Alliance in Kono. We will also use our six million dollar Democracy and Governance project over the next three years to strengthen the new local councils. Because these councils are bringing government closer to the people through decentralization, they will be more transparent, more accountable, and presumably less susceptible to corruption than the more remote central government.

The war on corruption will be a long struggle, but it can and must be won. Sierra Leone has enormous potential for democracy and development, for stability and prosperity, provided that corruption is defeated. The alternative is a lower standard of living that could destabilize the country. The future is in your hands, and the commitments of Sierra Leone’s political leadership and of the Anti-Corruption Commission give hope for that future.

On this 1st Annual International Anti-Corruption Day, the world stands shoulder to shoulder with you in confronting the fundamental national security threat posed by corruption to the land that you love, your Sierra Leone.

Thank you.