Independent Anti-Corruption Commission
| Independent Anti-Corruption Commission | |
|---|---|
| Abbreviation | IACC |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | April 25, 2021 |
| Legal jurisdiction | Somalia |
| Governing body | Independent |
| Constituting instrument |
|
| Headquarters | Villa Somalia, BN |
| Agency executives |
|
| Website | |
| iacc | |
The Independent Anti-Corruption Commission (Somali: Guddiga Madaxa Bannaan ee La-dagaalanka Musuqmaasuqa; Arabic: الهيئة المستقلة لمكافحة الفساد) of Somalia, abbreviated as IACC, is an independent body established under article 111C of the provisional constitution and law no. 12/19. The commission is composed of 9 members, referred to as commissioners.
Overview
The Anti-Corruption Commission, the first anti-corruption body in Somalia, is composed of 9 members selected in accordance with the provisions of Article 111C of the Provisional Constitution of Somalia. Responsibilities of the Anti-Corruption Commission include developing and enforcing the best and most appropriate anti-corruption measures, to promote, facilitate and support international cooperation and technical support. To promote transparency, accountability, and good governance in public affairs and public property. The powers of the Anti-Corruption Commission include preventing corruption, seizure, and return of proceeds of crime.
History
In September 2014, the Somali government launched a Public Awareness Campaign to tackle and prevent corruption in the public sector and to strengthen good governance. President Mohamed Abdullahi signed the anti-corruption bill on 21 September 2019, paving the way for the commission to be established.[1] On 8 September 2020, the cabinet endorsed the commission presented to the ministry of justice.[2] President Farmajo attended the oath ceremony on 25 April 2021[3] and on 4 May, the commission elected its chair.[4]
On August, Somalia, for the first time, joined international anti-corruption laws including the UNCAC, AUCPCC and the Arab Convention Against Corruption.[5]
The commission was officially launched on 14 August 2021 by the president and marked the day as the national anti-corruption day.[6] In general, this Commission is mandated to establish an ethical government by controlling corruption activities, be it bribery, extortion, embezzlement, illegitimate use of government powers, nepotism, and rent-seeking.
Corruption in Somalia
Since 2007, Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index has consistently ranked Somalia last. In the TRACE Bribery Risk Matrix, Somalia fares the worst. Among the 190 countries assessed by the World Bank in its Doing Business 2019 report, Somalia was identified as the worst performing in terms of ease of doing business. High-ranking nations in the World Bank index reflect public sectors that are accountable and efficient, which benefits businesses and society at large. Therefore, there is a strong perception that Somalia grapples with a corruption crisis. The pernicious economic, social, and political effects of corruption have been well-documented. Corruption is arguably the single most important threat to stability, justice and development in Somalia. It undermines reform efforts, exacerbates poverty and economic disparities, diverts aid, discourages foreign direct investment, and erodes the confidence and trust of Somalis in their leaders and institutions. Its implications for national security cannot be overstated – corruption plays into the hands of violent extremist groups, legitimizing their agendas and threatening the critical peace-building gains made over the last few years.
State-building in Somalia has made tangible progress. With the assistance of its international partners, the last few years have seen the implementation of an ambitious set of reforms aimed at enhancing the business environment and supporting higher, more inclusive growth while curbing corruption. The Government’s stated priorities include the creation of viable Federal Member States (FMSs), the holding of credible elections, public financial management systems, the strengthening of the security sector, and the provision of social services. However, the Government’s success in these areas largely hinges on the ability of the Somali leadership to control corruption, which in turn has a bearing on the very legitimacy of the State.
After the complete collapse of state institutions in 1991, Somalia represents one of the world’s most protracted cases of statelessness. Poverty is widespread in Somalia, with half of the country’s population of about 12 million living below the international poverty line as low as $1.90 a day. Inequality is high, and there is a marked difference in the incidence of poverty in different locations of the country. Corruption is both one of the leading causes and consequences of endemic political instability. Corruption occurs at all levels in both the public and private sectors, and is a visible and expected form of behavior. It affects virtually every aspect of Somali society. However, the five-year trend (from 2012 to 2016) shows a positive increase of 1.4 in the overall score, indicating slow progress. Somalia faces many of the major corruption challenges that affect conflict-torn countries, which is further exacerbated by the absence of a strong functional central government, a lack of resources and administrative capacity.
See also
- Corruption in Somalia
- United Nations Convention Against Corruption
- African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption
References
- ↑ "Somali President signs anti corruption bill into law". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ↑ admin. "Cabinet Appoints Independent Anti-Corruption Commission Members – Somali Dispatch". Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ↑ "President Farmajo attends the oath ceremony for the independent Anti-Corruption Commission". Somali National News Agency. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ↑ "Somalia: Independent Anti-Corruption Commission elects its Chairperson and Deputy". hornobserver.com. 2021-05-04. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ↑ "Somalia's Independent Anti-Corruption Commission officially joins international and regional anti-corruption laws, as the country recognizes National Anti-Corruption Day". Somali Affairs. 2021-08-15. Retrieved 2021-12-13.
- ↑ "Somalia to mark 14 August as National Anti-Corruption Day". www.hiiraan.com. Retrieved 2021-12-14.
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