Mobilising Society in the Fight Against Corruption: new District Anti-Corruption Committee in Maseru

In a world where transparency and accountability are paramount, combating corruption stands as a collective duty, transcending the confines of institutional mandates to become a shared responsibility of every individual. The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences (DCEO) and the European Union (EU) underscored today the urgent need to address corruption at its roots, acknowledging that its eradication hinges not solely on the actions of governing bodies, but on the concerted efforts of society at large.

In this spirit, the DCEO, with the support of the European Union, has created the District Anti-Corruption Committee in Maseru, whose purpose is to bring the DCEO personnel and its mission closer to the people and ensure it becomes easier for them to resist, reject and report possible cases of corruption to law enforcement agencies. Thanks to the support from the European Union, the DCEO has now been able to reinstate nine (9) District Anti-Corruption Committees across the country, with Thaba-Tseka district to be engaged on 30 May 2024, as the 10^th district.

It is imperative to recognise that the battle against corruption in Lesotho extends beyond the corridors of power. While institutions play a crucial role in implementing anti-corruption measures, the onus rests on each member of the society to uphold ethical standards and resist the temptations of dishonesty. From business leaders to ordinary citizens, every individual possesses the agency to reject corrupt practices and uphold the principles of honesty and integrity in their daily lives.

Unfortunately, corruption still continues to undermine the fabric of our society, eroding trust in institutions and perpetuating inequality. As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, the fight against corruption remains an enduring imperative. By embracing our collective responsibility, strengthening institutional frameworks, and prioritising public education, we can forge a path towards a more equitable and just society for generations to come.

Central to the fight against corruption is also the establishment of robust systems that operate with efficiency and transparency. A key indicator of progress lies in the functionality of judicial processes, where the swift administration of justice not only serves as a deterrent to corruption but also fosters public trust in the legal system. By reducing the average length of trials and enhancing procedural fairness, the people of Lesotho can dismantle the mechanisms that enable corruption to thrive, paving the way for a more just and equitable society.

Education stands as a powerful tool in shaping societal attitudes towards corruption. By integrating anti-corruption messages into school curricula and fostering a culture of integrity from a young age, we can instil the values of honesty, accountability, and ethical conduct in future generations. Through public awareness campaigns and educational initiatives, we empower individuals to recognize the detrimental effects of corruption and actively contribute to its eradication, thereby fostering a culture of transparency and accountability across all sectors of society.

As the European Union celebrates the ‘Europe Month’, this event also serves as a reminder of the European Union’s core values of transparency, integrity and accountability. By prioritising the fight against corruption, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to promoting good governance, safeguarding democracy and ensuring sustainable economic growth for all its partner countries around the world, Lesotho being one of them.

The revival of the District Anti-Corruption Committees is part of a four-year programme titled “Support for the Reform and Strengthening of Governance in Lesotho” funded by the European Union and under the umbrella of the Ministry of Justice and Law with an overall objective of fostering the rule of law, good governance, human rights and gender equality in Lesotho. Underpinning the objectives of the programme is the desire to see improved service delivery by public institutions to the people of Lesotho, especially those in marginalised and vulnerable situations. A total of sixteen (16) institutions in the justice and governance sectors have been targeted as beneficiaries of the programme, including the DCEO, Parliament, Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Parliamentary Counsel, Law Reform Commission, Human Rights Unit and Legal Aid Unit of the Ministry of Justice and Law, Office of the Ombudsman, Lesotho Correctional Services and others.