Creating a Corruption-Combatting Strategy for Somalia: Drawing Inspiration from Achievements

Monday, May 6, 2024
Written by Ismail Santur, CPA, CISA

This piece delves into the potential for constructing an anti-corruption blueprint for Somalia, drawing inspiration from success stories worldwide.

Somalia’s consistent bottom-ranking in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) over the years needs attention. Since 2023, Somalia has remained at the foot of the CPI for seventeen years. Yet, valuable insights can be gleaned from countries like Singapore, New Zealand, Denmark, and Hong Kong with exemplary anti-corruption strategies. By dissecting the core elements of these models, Somalia can design a customized approach to combat corruption within its unique landscape.

Successful anti-corruption endeavors necessitate a comprehensive strategy involving preventive measures and robust enforcement mechanisms. Below are the traits of effective anti-corruption models, along with their pros and cons:

The Singapore Approach:

Rigorous Enforcement and Deterrence: Singapore boasts a stringent legal framework and a tough stance on corruption. The Corrupt Practices Investigation Bureau (CPIB) rigorously upholds anti-corruption laws, imposing harsh penalties on wrongdoers.Preventative Measures: Singapore pairs enforcement with preventive tactics such as strict financial regulations, transparent procurement processes, and a robust civil service code of conduct.Political Determination and Leadership: The Singaporean government has consistently prioritized anti-corruption initiatives, fostering a culture of honesty and responsibility across all levels.

Benefits include deterrence through fear of consequences, enhanced accountability, and restitution. However, this approach may be resource-intensive and time-consuming to implement. 

The New Zealand Strategy:

Transparency and Accountability: New Zealand’s anti-corruption strategy hinges on transparency, accountability, and public integrity.Robust Institutions and Governance: New Zealand benefits from sturdy institutions, independent oversight bodies, and a well-functioning public sector known for professionalism and integrity.Whistleblower Support: New Zealand extends legal safeguards to whistleblowers, encouraging them to report corruption without fear.

Advantages include fostering accountability, empowering citizens, and enabling scrutiny of governmental actions. However, resistance from vested interests and limited information access may hinder implementation.

The Danish Blueprint:

Transparency and Trust: Denmark’s anti-corruption model revolves around openness, trust, and strong social cohesion. The nation boasts a tradition of transparency, participatory governance, and citizen engagement.Decentralized Decision-Making: Denmark’s decentralized governance promotes local accountability and citizen involvement, minimizing corruption opportunities.Robust Rule of Law: Denmark’s solid rule of law, independent judiciary, and efficient law enforcement contribute to low corruption levels and high public trust in institutions. However, such a decentralized system necessitates well-established public institutions and skilled human resources.

The Hong Kong Strategy:

Independent Judiciary and Rule of Law: Hong Kong benefits from an independent judiciary and a legal system built on the rule of law, safeguarding against corruption and promoting accountability.Efficient Public Administration: Hong Kong is renowned for its efficient public administration, characterized by meritocracy, professionalism, and strict adherence to ethical standards.Robust Regulatory Framework: Hong Kong’s regulatory framework includes stringent anti-corruption laws, financial regulations, and oversight mechanisms, fostering a clean business environment.

Hong Kong’s effective public administration and strong regulatory structure bolster competent public financial management and reinforce anti-corruption efforts. Nonetheless, this may require significant resources and time for fruition.

Given Somalia’s limited financial and human resources, focusing on immediate wins like education and public awareness to highlight corruption’s negative impacts is pivotal. Meanwhile, establishing an independent judiciary, robust regulatory framework, and efficient public administration in the long term is crucial. While Somalia has made strides in building public institutions, enhancing public financial management for efficiency, accountability, and transparency should take precedence.

Though combating corruption is undeniably challenging, it’s not impossible. By drawing inspiration from successful anti-corruption endeavors worldwide, Somalia can forge a path towards a more transparent, responsible, and fair future. With political resolve, solid institutions, and citizen support, eradicating corruption and promoting integrity is attainable, paving the way for sustainable growth and prosperity.

Ismail Santur is a Certified Public Accountant in the USA with over 25 years of experience in financial management, audit, governance, and compliance in both public and private sectors.