The Anti- Corruption Commission Zambia, in partnership with the Southern Africa Development Community SADC, is hosting the 2024 Regional Heads of Anti-Corruption Agencies Conference in Lusaka, Republic of Zambia, from 2nd to 4th October 2024.The conference is themed “Strengthening Anti-Corruption in Disaster Risk Management and Correctional Services in the SADC Region.”
The three-day event was officially opened by Honourable Princess Kasune, MP, Minister of Justice, who was represented by Mr. Francis Chilunga, Commissioner for Law Revision.
In her opening remarks, the Minister highlighted that when disasters strike, rapid mobilization of resources becomes critical. Governments, humanitarian organizations, and other stakeholders rush to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and other essentials to those affected. However, this urgency creates fertile ground for corruption, undermining disaster management efforts at every stage, from preparedness to recovery.
“To address these issues, there must be a strong anti-corruption focus at the heart of disaster risk management. Collaborative efforts between government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and international partners are essential to mitigating corruption risks that can derail disaster response and recovery efforts. It is, therefore, critical to enhance transparency and accountability in disaster preparedness, response, and recovery operations,” she said.
And Anti- Corruption Commission Zambia Acting Director General and outgoing Chairperson of the SADC Anti-Corruption Sub-Committee, Mrs. Monica Chipanta Mwansa, emphasized the need for concerted efforts to ensure that crucial resources intended to improve the lives of all citizens are protected for the benefit of everyone.
“The workshop provides yet another platform for us to dialogue, exchange, and share experiences and innovations on crucial aspects of the anti-corruption drive. Indeed, by the end of this workshop, our efforts to strengthen anti-corruption measures in both disaster risk management and correctional services in the SADC region must either begin or be sharpened and enhanced. We must all ensure that what needs to be done is done, whether through the development of relevant policies, legislation, or sectoral approaches,” she said.
Incoming Chairperson of the SADC Anti-Corruption Sub-Committee and Director General of the Prevention and Combating of Corruption Bureau of the United Republic of Tanzania, Mr. Crispin Francis Chalamila, noted that corruption risks are likely to emerge during the process of accessing and delivering relief. He emphasized that the devastation caused by pandemics and climate change is increasing the frequency of emergencies, making it essential to strengthen anti-corruption measures in disaster risk management.
“Our region is becoming more prone to disasters due to climate change. In recent years, we have witnessed disasters on an unprecedented scale, from cyclones to devastating droughts. The response and management of these disasters present a range of corruption risks that we, as anti-corruption agencies, must be more aware of. We need to explore and share mitigation strategies and engage with other key stakeholders,” he said.
Among the topics presented on the first day of the workshop include, “Disaster Risk Management: A SADC Region Perspective,” “The State of Anti-Corruption Mainstreaming in Disaster Risk Management in the SADC Region,” “Opportunities for Corruption in Disaster Risk Management and Mitigation Measures,” and “Customs Integrity in Disaster Risk Response and Management.”
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