KABUL (SW): John F. Sopko, the Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction (SIGAR) said on Tuesday rampant corruption is hindering peace and promoting violence in the country.
He said this while addressing the 4th Anti-Corruption Conference held at the Presidential Palace by the EU Delegation. He said efforts are underway to quell corruption, but much more needs to be done to create employment opportunities and attract investment. He pronounced the decade as full of challenges, and underlined Afghans need to be assured elections are going to be transparent, and their votes are respected.
The SIGAR said funds meant for reconstruction and development should not be used for electoral campaigns.
Speaking on the occasion, the EU Ambassador to Afghanistan, Pierre Mayaudon, hailed the government’s moves to curb corruption, and emphasized the need to do more to counter administrative corruption. "The rampant climate of violence makes it even more deplorable that some individuals take advantage of their position to indulge in corrupt practices. Those who combat corruption need to be saluted and encouraged”, he said.
Presidnet Ghani briefed the conference about the actions taken so far to curb corruption. Reiterating the government’s resolve in this regard, Ghani asked the international community to help the Kabul government on this front. The president said Afghanistan needs to achieve self-reliance and eventually turn into hub for trade and cooperation between south and central Asia.
According to the EU, the anti-corruption campaign once again reinforced the attention on corruption in Afghanistan and advocated for a collective mobilization in response to this plight that adds to the many challenges the country is already facing. Over the last three weeks a number of stakeholders highlighted in a timely and credible manner the risks that corruption creates in three specific sectors: Development, Private Sector and Elections.
ENDS
