Z’bar 2nd VP urges innovative approach to curb corruption

ZANZIBAR Second Vice-President, Hemed Suleiman Abdulla, has urged African countries to embrace innovative approaches in fighting graft on the continent.

Gracg the African Anti-Corruption Day on Sunday, Mr Abdulla urged African countries to step up efforts in the fight against corruption.

“The fight against graft must continue as it continues to be an evil and hurdle to development in Africa,” observed the Zanzibar Second Vice-President.

Mr Abdulla rallied governments and Civil Society Organisations to play their part in rooting out corruption in the society, noting that the practice remains a significant obstacle to justice and development across all sectors.

“I implore you, my brothers and sisters to provide information on corruption because its repercussions are immense to our nations,” he emphasised.

The second Vice-President further assured delegates participating at the Arusha International Conference Centre (AICC) that Tanzania, as a committed member of the African Union, was determined to eradicate corruption.

He equally called upon Tanzanians and foreign nationals alike to report instances of corruption to the relevant authorities.

Mr Abdulla also commended the effective coordination of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau (PCCB), the Zanzibar Anti-Corruption and Economic Crimes Authority (ZAECA), and the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC) for hosting the event which presents AU members to take stock of the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC).

“Similarly, let me urge you all to put this meeting to good use to assess the progress made in the fight against corruption on the continent,” he added.

Over 600 participants from various sectors will take part in the climax of the Anti-Corruption Day celebrations in Africa which is scheduled for tomorrow.

The event is expected to be graced by President Samia Suluhu Hassan.

It will feature a series of activities, including song competitions, poetry recitals, workshops, exhibitions, and conferences.

The African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption was adopted by the member states of the African Union during the Second Ordinary Session of the Assembly of the Union in Mozambique, on July 11, 2003.

It came into force on the 5th of August 2006, thirty days after the fifteenth instrument of ratification was deposited.

Currently, 48 countries have ratified the Convention and are States Parties to it.