Fight against Corruption Crucial, Says AU Commission Chairperson - ENA English
Fight against Corruption Crucial, Says AU Commission Chairperson
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Addis Ababa May 25/2018 Fighting corruption is crucial to improve lives of ordinary people and build trust in their leaders and public institutions, African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat said. Speaking at the 55th Anniversary of the establishment of Organization of African Unity today, Mahamat said resources needed for development and delivery of services such as electricity, education, healthcare, sanitation and clean water are diverted, thus depriving the majority from access to these critical services. “I want to challenge all of us, leaders and Africans from all walks of life, to firmly deal with this scourge,” the Chairperson said. He stated that the African Union is making a tangible contribution to the improvement of the livelihoods of the African people and the development of member states. But much needs to be done to overcome the obstacles that could derail this hard-won progress, like the fight against corruption in all its forms, Mahamat stressed. According to him, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) has survived the legacy of the many divisions inherited from foreign domination and meddling as well as challenges arising from the cold war. At this juncture, several African countries are among the world’s fastest growing economies and the fight against climate change has been raised to new heights, he pointed out. Foreign Affairs State Minister Hirut Zemene said this theme of AU Day -- “Winning the Fight against Corruption: A Sustainable Path to Africa’s Transformation” --- indicates unique opportunity to address specific challenges related to the fight against corruption. Ethiopia welcomes the broad engagement and participation of the African people on the importance efforts of fighting against corruption, she said, adding that her government would continue its commitment to work closely with African Union members to fight corruption.