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News from Tanzania 1/2002
Corrupt politicians destroy tanzania
No will:
Top-level politicians have no genuine commitment to fight corruption, because they themselves engage in corrupt practices, says chairman of Transparency International in Tanzania
By Rasmus Lindboe
Corrupt practices flourish at the highest political levels in Tanzania, undermining reforms and the fight against bribery and grand-scale corruption.
So says Director of global consultant firm PriceWaterhouseCoopers Ibrahim Seushi, also chairman of the anti-corruption body Transparency International (TI) in Tanzania.
The corrupt behavior of top-politicians leads to fraud, embezzlement and economic swindle costing the Tanzanian people an unknown amount of billions of Shillings every year, says the TI chairman.
"Apart from the President, it is difficult to see, who are really committed to fight corruption. People look to the politicians and see how corrupt people can be successful. They are not role models as they should be," says Director Ibrahim Seushi.
Transparency International follows closely the state of corruption in Tanzania. Surveys, meetings with business people, and statistical material from the Prevention of Corruption Bureau (PCB) make the foundation for the anti-corruption organization.
According to the annual survey of corruption, published by Transparency International, corruption is growing in Tanzania. Director Ibrahim Seushi can’t estimate the total amount of money involved, but it is "a substantial amount of money affecting the society," he says.
PCB is weak
The political corruption is the worst form of corruption, according to the IT chairman:
"A corrupt leader, having bought himself into power, will inevitable take corrupt actions as a politician," Ibrahim Seushi says.
According to the TI chief, most of the foul play occurs within the CCM simply because that is where people can obtain power:
"The hardest competition is within the CCM. People who want important public posts will often either pay their way through or obtain sponsorships from wealthy persons. Of course, these persons later want the advantage of getting the politician elected," says Director Seushi.
Corruption is today carried out more secretly than years ago as public whistleblowers such as the media and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) take increased interest in the issue.
Transparency International boss Seushi levels a strong criticism of the Prevention of Corruption Bureau, which is not adequately supported to eliminate corruption:
"The PCB must have full support from the government and must have the power to investigate and prosecute all cases. Today, the PCB is not adequately equipped – neither with skills nor equipment," Seushi says.
Make your choice
Ibrahim Seushi also advocates full political support for fighting corruption and greater transparency in government decisions. The UK radar deal, where Tanzania plans to buy radar equipment from England worth 40 million dollars is a classic example of shady decision-making:
"Counting maintenance, loan expenses, training of personnel and all other involved costs, the radar deal might cost Tanzania 700 million dollars. The country simply can’t afford that. There should have been a national debate about that purchase," seushi says.
Finally, people should recognize their own responsibility in putting an end to corruption:
"People must acknowledge that corrupt leaders buying their way in are not going to change the system," the Transparency chairman says. Electing corrupt politicians is choosing a corrupt society, Ibrahim Seushi emphasizes.
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