Arusha: The 2024 African Anti-Corruption Dialogue, organised by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), is set to take place from 7-8 November, 2024, in Arusha, Tanzania.
More than 100 high-profile stakeholders, including government officials, civil society leaders, and anti-corruption experts, will gather to address the urgent need for stronger safeguards to protect whistleblowers who risk their lives to expose corruption.
The two-day forum, themed “Effective Whistleblowers Protection Mechanisms: A Critical Tool in the Fight Against Corruption,” aims to highlight the critical role that whistleblowers play on the continent.
“Corruption, being a clandestine activity, may never be uncovered unless someone reports it or blows the whistle. The role of whistleblowers in exposing corruption, therefore, is of utmost importance,” said AUABC Chairperson Hon. Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate.
AUABC Executive Secretary Ms. Charity Hanene Nchimunya stated that the dialogue seeks to fill existing gaps by identifying practical solutions, building alliances and ensuring robust protection frameworks are established.
“The dialogue will not only assess the current state of whistleblower protection systems across Africa but also aim to generate actionable recommendations to shape national laws and policies. It is expected to culminate in a comprehensive report, with AUABC submitting key findings and proposals to African Union Policy Organs for future reforms,” she added.
Participants will explore successful models of whistleblower protection from other regions, share experiences and strengthen partnerships among anti-corruption bodies and civil society organizations. The event will also highlight the role of technology in protecting whistleblowers and enhancing transparency.
A major highlight will be the ‘Third African Anti-Corruption Non-State Actors Forum’, heralding the main event, providing a platform for civil society groups to discuss their role in advocating for enhanced protection measures.
NOTES FOR EDITORS:
About the AUABC
The African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), is an Organ of the African Union that promotes and encourages the adoption of measures to prevent and combat corruption among African Union Member States.
Background
The year 2023 marked twenty years since the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC) was adopted. A review of AUCPCC’s journey highlighted progress, achievements and the challenges encountered in its implementation. Among the challenges identified was the inadequate whistleblowing system, which hinders citizens from reporting instances of corruption. In response, AUABC has dedicated its efforts in 2024 to promoting the critical role of whistleblowing in combating corruption.
Importance of Whistleblower Protection in Combating Corruption
Key anti-corruption organisations such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Transparency International (TI) and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) have underscored the importance of effective whistleblower mechanisms in combating corruption. A recent study by Amnesty International (AI) on Anti-Corruption Human Rights Defenders highlighted the challenges faced by whistleblowers, including reprisals and a lack of robust legal frameworks for their protection. Developing effective legislation and mechanisms to protect whistleblowers in line with international standards is therefore essential.
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