This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from the European Commission. The Anti-Corruption Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International and funded by the European Union.
Query
Could you please provide an overview of corruption and anti-corruption in Côte d’Ivoire?
CONTENT
1. Overview of corruption in Côte d’Ivoire
2. Governance structure and anti-corruption efforts in Côte d’Ivoire
3. References
CAVEAT
Most recent in-depth research on Côte d’Ivoire analyses the country’s political situation and the civil war. Only little attention is given to the country’s anti-corruption system and very limited resources could be found concerning Côte d’Ivoire’s legal framework.
SUMMARY
Corruption in Côte d’Ivoire is endemic and permeates all levels of society, which is reflected in the country’s poor performance in most areas assessed by governance indicators. The decade-long civil war, born out of profound political divisions, the absence of a consensual successor to Houphouet-Boigny, and the subsequent economic decline, appear to have resulted in even higher levels of systemic corruption and predatory behaviour. Impunity is generalised throughout the country and the justice system is seen as dangerously partial.
Côte d’Ivoire lacks some basic governance infrastructures, and the weakness of law enforcement entities makes the governance system largely ineffective. Patronage and clan networks continue to play a central role in the Ivoirian society, and the administration does not operate transparently. The poor governance structure is becoming an obstacle for genuine reconciliation in a still-divided Côte d’Ivoire.
Authors
Sofia Wickberg, Transparency International, [email protected]
Reviewers
Marie Chêne, Transparency International; Robin Hodess, Transparency International
Date
19/04/2013
