This archive report was first published on 18 July 2020.
COVID-19 Corruption Exposes Rot in Governance ¶
Published on July 18, 2020
Corruption in Africa's COVID-19 response has exposed the deep rot in governance structures and public morality. The pandemic has brought to the fore the extent of corruption in the continent's healthcare systems.
Albert M'peti Biyombo, Democratic Republic of Congo's Deputy Health Minister, accused Cabinet members of receiving kickbacks on contracts for the coronavirus response in a leaked letter to the prime minister. He alleged that a 'mafia network' was embezzling COVID-19 funds, taking kickbacks of up to 35 percent off contracts for virus supplies.
Similar cases of corruption have been reported in other African countries. In Zambia, Health Minister Chitalu Chilufya was arrested on suspicion of corruption after he suddenly came into a lot of money and went on a property buying spree. In Zimbabwe, Health Minister Obadiah Moyo was fired by President Emmerson Mnangagwa for his involvement in a $60 million COVID-19 contract scandal.
South Africa has announced a probe into allegations of corruption involving 500 billion rands ($26.3 billion) relief fund to ease the impact of COVID-19. In Uganda, several officials were jailed over coronavirus supplies theft. In Kenya, a parliamentary committee sniffed high corruption in the use of KSh1.3 billion ($12.2 million) donated by the World Bank for the fight against the pandemic.
Corruption in the COVID-19 response has raised questions about the extent of corruption in Africa's governance structures and public morality. It has also raised concerns about the effectiveness of measures to prevent corruption in the continent's healthcare systems.
