Sierra Leone ACC Chief Showcases Progress on ECOWAS Anti-Corruption Protocol at NACIWA AGM

Sierra Leone ACC Chief Showcases Progress on ECOWAS Anti-Corruption Protocol at NACIWA AGM

Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., the Commissioner of the Anti-Corruption Commission Sierra Leone (ACC-SL), recently highlighted Sierra Leone's substantial progress in adopting the ECOWAS Protocol on combating corruption. 

This was emphasized during the 6th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the Network of Anti-Corruption Institutions in West Africa (NACIWA), held at the ECOWAS Headquarters in Abuja, Nigeria, from August 18th to 21st, 2024.

The event, themed “Implementing the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Protocol against Corruption towards Strengthening Institutions for Regional Unity,” provided a platform for Commissioner Kaifala to discuss Sierra Leone’s achievements in implementing the ECOWAS Protocol on Corruption, established in 2001. 

His presentation underscored the remarkable advancements made in the country’s anti-corruption initiatives through domesticating the protocol and its alignment with national efforts to tackle corruption.

As a key panelist, Commissioner Kaifala outlined the critical factors contributing to Sierra Leone’s success in combating corruption. He emphasized the importance of legal reforms, institutional strengthening, and the unwavering political will that has been pivotal in positioning Sierra Leone as a regional leader in anti-corruption efforts. 

He stated, “In 2019, we enacted significant amendments to our anti-corruption laws, which introduced stricter sanctions, new offenses, and other essential reforms in prevention, investigation, and prosecution, all by the guidelines outlined in the ECOWAS Protocol.”

Kaifala further highlighted the country’s successful implementation of a non-conviction-based recovery model, which has led to the retrieval of millions of dollars in stolen funds, now returned to the state. This model has become a cornerstone of Sierra Leone's anti-corruption strategy, demonstrating the effectiveness of innovative approaches in the fight against corruption.

Reflecting on his tenure as the President of NACIWA, Kaifala shared his insights on Sierra Leone's dramatic improvement in both local and international anti-corruption indexes and assessments. When he took office, the country was struggling with poor ratings across various indices. However, the transformative efforts and strong reforms implemented under his leadership have led to a significant turnaround. 

He pointed out that when he assumed office in 2018, Sierra Leone’s rating on the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) scorecard was a failing 49%. Since then, the country has consistently achieved scores above 70%, a remarkable improvement. 

Additionally, Sierra Leone’s position on the Transparency International Corruption Perception Index has improved by 22 places over six consecutive years, with Afro-Barometer and other assessments corroborating this upward trend. In his concluding remarks, Kaifala stressed the importance of prevention in the fight against corruption. 

He cited the effectiveness of public education campaigns, the review of government agency systems, and the enhancement of assets declaration systems as critical areas that have contributed to Sierra Leone's progress. These preventive measures, he argued, are essential for sustaining the fight against corruption and ensuring long-term success.

The event also featured an address from His Excellency Senator Kashim Shettima, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who represented President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In his speech, Vice President Shettima urged ECOWAS member countries to not only ratify the Protocol against Corruption but also to fully implement it. 

He emphasized the need for tangible actions over mere commitments, highlighting the importance of harmonizing legal frameworks and enhancing cross-border cooperation in the fight against corruption.

Vice President Shettima also stressed that the future of the region depends on building transparent, accountable, and efficient governance structures that serve the interests of the people. He acknowledged the vital role of NACIWA in regional anti-corruption efforts and announced a significant donation of a property to serve as NACIWA’s permanent headquarters. 

This gesture, he noted, demonstrates the Nigerian government’s commitment to strengthening NACIWA’s institutional capacity. The AGM saw participation from a wide array of high-level speakers and officials, all of whom underscored the importance of effective collaboration and the sharing of information and best practices among ECOWAS member states. 

This, they agreed, is essential for combating the scourge of corruption that continues to hinder governance, economic development, and social stability across the region.

Among the notable attendees were Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar; Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi; Chairman of the Senate Committee on Anti-Corruption, Senator Udende Emmanuel; ECOWAS Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace, and Security, Ambassador Abdel-Fatau Musah; and NACIWA President, who is also the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ola Olukayode. Other key participants included the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu, as well as other heads of anti-corruption agencies within the region and development partners.

The ECOWAS Protocol on the Fight Against Corruption, adopted in 2001, remains a foundational document for member states in their efforts to combat corruption. The protocol outlines specific measures that member states must implement to prevent, detect, and prosecute corrupt practices, while also emphasizing the need for harmonized legal frameworks, robust institutional mechanisms, and enhanced cooperation among member states.

NACIWA, headquartered in Abuja, was established by ECOWAS in response to the urgent need for coordinated anti-corruption efforts across West Africa. The organization plays a crucial role in mitigating the negative impacts of corruption on governance, economic development, and social stability in the region.