Rwanda has ascended on the anti-corruption list where Transparency International, the global anti-corruption and injustice watchdog, placed the country 49th in its latest Corruption Perceptions Index. This marks an improvement from its previous position of 54th in 2022.
The annual report, released on January 30, 2024, sheds light on the global landscape of corruption, providing insights into countries’ efforts in combating corrupt practices. It draws data from 180 countries and territories surveyed in 2023, revealing a troubling trend of increasing corruption levels globally, attributed to insufficient anti-corruption measures.
The report underscores that over two-thirds of countries scored below 50%, indicating widespread corruption at various levels of governance. With the international average standing at a mere 43, many nations have stagnated in their anti-corruption endeavors over the past decade.
Moreover, the report highlights the pervasive nature of corruption and abuse of power within judicial systems worldwide, where the marginalized often face injustice while the privileged exert undue influence.
In Rwanda’s case, its progress in anti-corruption efforts is evident, with a rise from 54th place with 51% points in 2022 to 49th place with 53% points in 2023. Within Africa, Rwanda maintains the fourth position, trailing Seychelles with 71%, Cape Verde with 64%, and Botswana with 59%, all of which have also seen improvements in their rankings.
Transparency International emphasizes that even in countries with favorable scores, challenges persist, including cross-border corruption activities and insufficient measures to combat them.
François Valérian, Chair of Transparency International, asserts that combating corruption requires robust justice systems capable of holding wrongdoers accountable and ensuring governmental transparency.
Denmark leads the index for the sixth consecutive year, securing the highest score of 90, followed closely by Finland with 87 and New Zealand with 85.
Notable mentions in the top 10 include Norway, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Germany, and Luxembourg.
The United States maintains its position with an unchanged score of 69, securing the 24th spot in the index.
Conversely, Somalia ranks lowest on the list with 11%, trailing behind Venezuela and Syria.
