This Anti-Corruption Helpdesk brief was produced in response to a query from a U4 Partner Agency. The U4 Helpdesk is operated by Transparency International in collaboration with the U4 Anti-Corruption Resource Centre based at the Chr. Michelsen Institute.
Query
We would like an update of the overview on corruption and anti-corruption in Sudan. In particular, we would be interested in the role and results of the Anti-Corruption and Funds Recovery Committee and the overall role of state/military-owned companies in the transition process in Sudan.
Summary
The transition of Sudan to democratic rule after the 2019 overthrow of the al-Bashir regime has been characterised by its own set of challenges, including, but not limited to, a failing economy; political tensions; and continuing widespread protests for justice and reforms. The ongoing Covid-19 pandemic has exacerbated existing issues, leading to record high inflation rates; increased food prices; rising unemployment, and declining exports. While the Empowerment Elimination, Anti-Corruption and Funds Recovery Committee has made substantial progress in recovering assets from the erstwhile kleptocratic regime’s key actors, much needs to be done to strengthen the overall anti-corruption legal and institutional framework as well as its implementation. Military-owned businesses have tight control over critical sectors of the Sudanese economy. Civic space is slowly opening, but a culture of transparency has to be created and sustained after three decades of authoritarian rule.
Contents
- Background
- Extent and forms of corruption
- Focus areas:
- Military-owned business
- Anti-Corruption and Funds Recovery Committee
4. Legal and institutional framework
5. Other stakeholders
6. References
Main points
- Corruption continues to be endemic in the Sudanese context, with several key players from the former authoritarian regimes occupying positions of power in the transitional government.
- The Anti-Corruption and Funds Recovery Committee is a political body set up to dismantle the kleptocratic networks of the erstwhile al-Bashir regime. It has gained popularity with the citizenry after having reportedly seized substantial assets from the corrupt actors of the NCP since its inception.
- Military-owned businesses have tight control over key sectors of the Sudanese economy, such as gold, meat exports, and rubber. These companies operate in a grey zone and are shrouded in opacity regarding their structure, profits, and payment of taxes.
- The anti-corruption legal and institutional framework needs strengthening.
- Civic space is slowly opening up, and on-ground anti-corruption capacity needs to be increased.
Authors
Kaunain Rahman (TI), [email protected]
Reviewers
Vera Devine (U4), [email protected]
Mariana Ghawaly (TI), [email protected]
Date
06/11/2021
