Page 21 - 15 years of TI-Rwanda experience : citizen engagement as the driver to fight against corruption

20 Transparency International Rwanda Transparency International Rwanda 21
AN EFFECTIVE FIGHT AGAINST

CORRUPTION REQUIRES CITIZEN

ENGAGEMENT

The anti-corruption journey of Rwanda proves limited trust in actions to be
ccording to the In addition, a new anti- is commendable but there are some taken after reporting. This also shows CITIZEN
Corruption Perception corruption law has been areas which need more attention for that there is a need of continuously
AIndex, published by promulgated in September an effective anti-corruption fight, raising awareness of citizens’ rights.
Transparency International 2018. namely to engage citizens in all stages. Further, citizens, and among them ENGAGEMENT
in 2017, Rwanda is among Petty and grand corruption, as well whistleblowers, need to be aware
the three least corrupt Spearheaded by the Office as favoritism as a form of corruption of existing reporting platforms and
countries in Africa. Different of the Ombudsman, also in are still taking place and one cannot the impact they are contributing to
anti-corruption measures, terms of institutions and anti- neglect that it is deeply anchored when reporting corruption. One core
together with strong anti- corruption bodies, changes in some sectors and affecting the principle is to build trust of citizens in
corruption laws have been were put in place, such as a everyday life of citizens. But why is it the reporting corruption and claiming “Citizen engagement can
put in place, which also specialized anti-corruption so important to engage citizens in the their rights to overcome limited citizen be defined as the activities
emphasizes the political will court at every intermediate fight against corruption? participation. of private citizens that
to fight corruption in Rwanda. court. seek to influence public
Successful citizen engagement The first path to reach the strong and decision-making processes
One of the most recent does not only make sure that citizen inclusive citizen engagement is to which affect their lives
changes towards zero voices are heard, it also to make sure empower citizens so that they can be and their communities.
tolerance to corruption was that citizens get feedback and their able to hold government accountable Citizen engagement is an
the revision of the penal inputs are respected and taken into and to make sure citizens get the essential part of open and
code in June 2018, where consideration by decision-makers. benefits of their participation. It is inclusive governance” U4
corruption is defined as an According to the Rwanda Bribery not only the role of the government Anti-Corruption Resource
imprescriptible offence and Index, an annual study conducted by to engage citizens, the media and Centre, 2017
the offense of embezzlement Transparency International Rwanda, civil society need to ensure that
is placed in the category of there is a very low rate of corruption citizens’ voices are heard and they are
crime related to corruption. reporting as many citizens do not sensitized about their rights.
expect any changes to happen, which

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