AFRICAN UNION CONVENTION ON PREVENTING AND COMBATING CORRUPTION

Various preparatory and experts’ meetings in Addis Ababa Introduction Various preparatory and experts’ meetings in Addis Ababa Aspects of SADC Protocol against Corruption included Some key features: participation of media and civil society collaboration between Member States international co-operation

Significance for South Africa Expressed commitment of Government to fight corruption Good governance principles being promoted throughout this continent Establishment of a database of anti-corruption Ministers and experts in Africa

The Convention Preamble, objectives and principles Article 5: citizens report corruption without fear of reprisals; raising public awareness on the fight against corruption strengthening of internal accounting, audit and follow-up systems. Article 6 criminalises the laundering of the proceeds of corruption

Some cutting edge initiatives Access to information (Articles 9) Funding of political parties (Article 10) Participation by private sector in fight against unfair competition, respect of the tender procedures and property rights(Article 11)

Other stakeholders Enabling environment for civil society and the media Civil society to participate in implementation and monitoring of convention. Media access to information in cases of corruption Bank secrecy should not be obstacle to investigation and prosecution

Reservations Article 13(1)(d): broader jurisdiction Article 15(2): no blanket extradition Article 21: relationship with other agreements Article 25(3): amendments

Conclusion Article 20: Designation of National Authority Political will to change continental approach to combating and preventing corruption Globalisation: increased interdependence and range of cross-border pullovers