Addis Ababa, 30 January 2018: The Commissioner for Political Affairs, Amb. Minata Samate Cessouma, addressed the Partners’ Roundtable on the African Anti-Corruption Year (Project 2018, which was organized by the African Union Advisory Board on Corruption (AU-ABC).
The Convention on the Prevention and Combating Corruption was adopted by the AU Member States at the 2nd Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union, held in Maputo, Mozambique, on 11 July 2003. The Convention entered into force on 5 August 2006. To date 40 countries have ratified the Convention.
The Commissioner for Political Affairs welcomed the declaration of 2018 as “the African Anti-Corruption Year”, under the theme: “Winning the fight against corruption, a sustainable path to Africa’s transformation”. She further added that this Declaration is a clear commitment of our Heads of State and Government to stand together and fight corruption in Africa. She also added that the Declaration provides an opportunity to consolidate the gains already made over the years, ensure better cooperation and mutual legal assistance, and secure stronger national, regional, continental and international cooperation in fighting corruption.
Commissioner Samate Cessouma who was represented by Amb. Salah S. Hammad, Ag. Head of the AGA Secretariat applauded President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria, who was appointed as Africa Anti-Corruption Champion by the African Union.
She reiterated that fact that fighting corruption is a collective responsibility and that the Department of Political Affairs will provide all the necessary support to the AU Advisory Board on Corruption to effectively implement Project 2018.
In his remarks, Hon. Begoto Miarom, Chairperson of the AU Advisory Board on Corruption thanked all partners present in the meeting. He also added that the general objective of the African Anti-Corruption Year is to promote the fight against corruption and impunity on the continent as a sustainable path to a prosperous and peaceful Africa. He further indicated that the fight against corruption will not be limited to 2018, but will continue until Africa is corruption-free.
The meeting brought together representatives from strategic partners, UN Agencies, CSOs and the Media willing to provide technical and financial support.
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