Hiiraan Online

Mogadishu (HOL) - Transparency International released its 2022 Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) on Tuesday, ranking Somalia as the world's most corrupt country-again, with a score of only 12 out of 100 in 2022.

 

Transparency International ranked Somalia at the bottom of its index for 13 years straight - from 2007 to 2020 - before briefly being overtaken by Syria and Sudan for the dubious distinction in 2021. The index has been published annually by the non-governmental organization since 1995.

"Somalia is back at the very bottom of the CPI, both regionally and globally. The country has been mired in a circle of violence and instability for over three decades, with practically no means available to curb rampant corruption."

Transparency International highlighted that President Mohamud's unilateral decision to dissolve two anti-corruption bodies late last year indicates Somali officials are ignoring the problem.

In October 2022, the recently elected president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud dissolved two key anti-corruption bodies – the Judicial Service Commission and the Anti-Corruption Commission – via decree. Mohamud has been accused of corruption and abuse of power in the past. Meanwhile, economic and humanitarian conditions for Somalians are steadily deteriorating.

The Corruption Perceptions Index ranks 180 countries and territories by their levels of public sector corruption, as perceived by experts and businesspeople. Transparency International says that the 2022 CPI analyses the connection between conflict, security and corruption.

Corruption in Somalia is widespread and affects all aspects of society, including the government, private sector, judiciary. Corruption has hindered the country's development by creating a perception of Somalia as a country that is not conducive to investment and business, which further exacerbates the country's economic challenges.

Somalia is heavily reliant on foreign aid, and its dependence has created opportunities for corruption. The mismanagement and embezzlement of donor funds have been major sources of corruption in the past. The staggering levels of poverty and the lack of economic opportunities in Somalia have created an environment in which corruption is prevalent. 

The index found that Sub-Saharan Africa was in a "dire situation," with most countries struggling to make headway against corruption. Since 2016, only Angola has significantly reduced corruption, according to the CPI.

Seychelles continues to lead the region with a CPI score of 70, followed by Botswana and Cabo Verde, each with 60. Burundi (17), Equatorial Guinea (17), South Sudan (13) and Somalia (12) perform the lowest. 

Governance experts and Somali citizens agree that the root cause of corruption is a lack of accountability and transparency. Somalia has struggled to establish a stable political environment, which has created an environment conducive to corruption. The lack of effective law enforcement and judiciary has also contributed to the problem, as individuals can engage in corrupt activities with impunity.