Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) |01 February 2023
Seychelles remains least corrupt
country in sub-Saharan Africa
Laura Pillay
Seychelles has maintained its ranking in the 2022 Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), with an overall score of 70.
The index which was published yesterday ranks 180 countries and territories by perceived levels of public sector corruption, on a scale from zero for highly corrupt countries to 100 for those perceived to be very clean.
Denmark tops the 2022 index with 90, while Finland and New Zealand are close behind, each scoring 87. According to the Global Peace Index, the three are among the most peaceful in the world, with strong democratic institutions, and regard for human rights.
While a number of countries are ahead scoring between the 70 to 80 range, Seychelles tops the list in Sub-Saharan Africa. The average score in Sub-Saharan Africa is 32.
Seychelles is 10 points ahead of Botswana and Cabo Verde, both of whom scored 60 on the index.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Mauritius’ score is 50, while Madagascar’s is below the average at 26, alongside Cameroon, Liberia, Mozambique and Uganda.
The Anti-Corruption Commission of Seychelles (ACCS) has welcomed the index and score as good news for Seychelles.
Commissioner May de Silva, in a press communiqué issued yesterday, stated that the ACCS has made more arrests for corruption-related offences, charged more suspects, and submitted more cases to the Attorney General’s office during this reporting period, than ever before.
“With this increase in reporting and anti-corruption activity we expected to be perceived as a more corrupt country than this time last year because we have lifted the stone,” writes Ms De Silva.
“We are therefore delighted that this positive action, and our tireless efforts to root out corruption by our committed staff and supportive public has been recognised and that we are able to maintain our global position as the 23rd least corrupt country in the world and remain the least corrupt country in Africa. We look forward to hosting the Commonwealth Africa Anti-Corruption Heads annual meeting in May this year,” the communiqué states.
The ACCS is not consulted on the independent global scoring criteria of Transparency International, but does use it as a guiding benchmark for carrying out its duties.
The ACCS remains committed in the fight against corruption in Seychelles, and focused on continuing work “to eradicate this crime to make our society fairer for all our citizens”, it concludes.
All attempts by Seychelles NATION to contact Transparency Initiative Seychelles chairperson Chrystold Chetty for his comments were unfruitful.
The latest CPI indicates that the vast majority of countries around the globe are failing in fighting corruption, with 95 percent of countries making little to no progress since 2017.
For the 11th consecutive year, the global average remains at 43, and over two-thirds of countries scored below 50, indicating a serious problem with corruption.
Within the sub-Saharan region, the lowest scorers are Somalia and South Sudan, with a score of 12 and 13 respectively. Along with Syria, all of these countries are embroiled in conflict, which is “profoundly intertwines with corruption”, the report highlights.
Transparency International is calling on governments to stamp out corruption and resulting violence by prioritising anti-corruption commitments, upholding rights to information, reinforcing checks and balances, and limiting private influence.
“Corruption has made our world a more dangerous place. As governments have collectively failed to make progress against it, they fuel the current rise in violence and conflict – and endanger people everywhere. The only way out is for states to do the hard work, rooting out corruption at all levels to ensure governments work for all people, not just an elite few,” chair of Transparency International Delia Ferreira Rubio stated.
Laura Pillay