Back to zero: Somalia ranked as most corrupt nation globally

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Despite showing improvements in the 2021 ranking, Somalia is back again to factory settings having been ranked the most corrupt country in the world in the recently released ranking by Transparency International, which documents cases of graft in the world.

The Corruption Perception Index [CPI] saw Somalia get 12 of the possible 100 points, signifying the level of graft in the Horn of Africa nation. This is not the first time the country is getting this poor ranking given that most of her institutions are struggling to adopt best international practices on matters of governance.

From 2007-2013, Somalia has been getting the worst rank but only improved in 2021 when it was overtaken by Sudan and Syria. The two countries are struggling with instability following years of civil wars just like in the case of Somalia.

"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."

In their report, Transparency International raised concerns about President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's decision to dissolve anti-corruption bodies in October 2022, noting that this is an indication that he's not ready to tackle the menace which has paralyzed the functioning of various departments.

Also dissolved was the Judicial Service Commission which is responsible for the administration of justice in the country. This means that corruption cases cannot be effectively prosecuted if President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud fails to freshly constitute the two critical organs that handle corruption cases.

The organization ranks 181 countries around the world and this means a lot has to be done to boost investor confidence in the country. In most instances financial assistance from international partners is not accounted for, leading to questions about the commitment to fight the vice.

Somalia mostly relies on foreign aid to run its $967 million budget, with the country now aiming to collect $230 million this financial year. However, Al-Shabaab militants have been collecting more than the government but the militants will no longer enjoy the monopoly after government troops liberated most towns under the militants.

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. When he took over in June 2022, Hassan Sheikh pledged to end corruption in government.

GAROWE ONLINE