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Combatting Corruption for GoodGovernance and Sustainable Development in Africa is very important.



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Remarks by the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister
Dr. Edouard Ngirente
At the official opening ceremony of the 12th Regional Conference of
Heads of Anti-corruption agencies in Commonwealth Africa
Kigali |03rd May 2022

• Your Excellency Patricia SCOTLAND, Secretary General of
Commonwealth,
• Honorable Ministers,
• The Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth Africa,
• Members of Diplomatic Corps and Representatives of
International Organizations,
• Distinguished Guests,

1. On behalf of His Excellency Paul Kagame, The President of The
Republic of Rwanda, I am pleased to join you today at the 12th Regional
Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth
Africa.
2. First of all, I would like to welcome you all to this important Conference
and thank the Commonwealth Africa, for having collaborated with us,
in organizing this Conference.
3. Rwanda is delighted to physically host this Conference, which has
been held virtually twice, for the last two years, due to the Covid-19
Pandemic.
4. The theme of this Conference “Combatting Corruption for Good
Governance and Sustainable Development in Africa” is very important.
5. It is in line with the Africa’s Agenda 2063, “The Africa we want”,
aspiration number 3, which provides for an Africa of good governance,
democracy, respect for human rights, justice and the rule of law. This
clearly illustrates the firm commitment of African leaders to uphold
the culture of the rule of law and good governance.
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• Distinguished Guests,
6. Africa is making efforts towards improving good governance, although
we still have a long way to go. African countries are committed to
addressing corruption on the continent. So far, most African countries
have ratified African Union Convention on preventing and combatting
corruption and other international legal instruments on corruption.
7. As required by international obligations, African countries have
enacted national anti-corruption laws and established anti-corruption
institutions.
8. Almost every African country has specialized anti-corruption agencies
to address specific crimes and malpractices including illicit flows
money laundering, embezzlement and conflict of interest among
others.
9. Several reports have indicated that global corruption is now costing
around USD 1 trillion annually. This has severe effects on the lives of
our people. This cost is very high and continues to weaken resilience
of our communities.
10. Corruption creates economic distortions and hampers investments.
Investors who deserve a fair and competitive business environment
will avoid investing in countries where there is a high level of
corruption.
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11. Commonwealth Africa member states can make the difference in this
fight against corruption through strengthened cooperation and
effective accountability mechanisms.
• Distinguished Guests,
12. In Rwanda, the political will to enhance transparency and
accountability are key factors to implement a zero-tolerance approach
against corruption. By way of illustration, the offence of corruption is
not subject to any statute of limitations in Rwandan laws. This implies
that prosecution of corruption crimes has no time limit.
13. To promote accountability and transparency, among others, since
2006, the Government of Rwanda adopted the performance contracts
system, commonly known as “Imihigo” in our national language.
14. Under this system, every year, Public Servants sign performance
contracts with their managers/supervisors or heads of institution.
This is done at all levels of administration, from the local district to
ministries and embassies.
15. In that spirit of preventing and fighting any form of corruption, the
Government of Rwanda aims at using Information and
Communication Technology (ICT) for delivering services to our citizens.
So far, key government services are currently accessed online.
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16. Different other electronic systems were developed and are now in use
including the Integrated Electronic Case Management System (IECMS)
in Justice Sector, the Integrated Financial Management System
(IFMS), the e-recruitment system as well as the e-procurement.
• Distinguished Guests,
17. As I conclude, I wish to recognize efforts made by the Commonwealth
Africa member States to fight against corruption for the last 11 years
since the establishment of the Association of Anti-Corruption Agencies
in Commonwealth Africa.
18. It is my expectation that this Conference will come up with concrete
anti-corruption measures and public sector management practices
based on the rule of law, transparency and accountable governance.
19. As corruption continues to emerge in more sophisticated forms, we
need to come up with innovative ways to prevent and address this
evolving crime.
20. On this note, I have the pleasure to declare the 12th Regional
Conference of Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies in Commonwealth
Africa officially opened.
I thank you for your kind attention.
Category
Management
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