It is my pleasure to be with you for this important event today.

Your presence is evidence of our shared commitment to the fight against corruption and to the role of good governance in ensuring inclusive development.

Corruption is a complex and persistent social, political, and economic problem that affects all countries and regions in the world. 

Corruption erodes democracy, trust in institutions, the rule of law and the realisation and enjoyment of human rights.

It undermines state legitimacy and the delivery of public services.

It distorts functioning markets, thereby effectively impeding all areas of sustainable human, economic and social development.

As the European Union celebrates, over the month of May, our almost 50-year long partnership with Lesotho, this event is even more significant as a reminder of the central role played by the values of transparency, integrity and accountability in our partnership.

This event takes place within the framework of a broader programme supporting national reforms, as well as the justice sector and oversight bodies, such as the Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences, but also the Office of the Auditor General, the Ombudsman, and the Parliament.

This accountability and capacity building project funded by the European Union aims to ensure that the citizens of Lesotho live in a society where their human rights and fundamental freedoms are protected and guaranteed.

The programme supports the supply and demand side of the justice and governance sectors, through strengthening of the country’s institutional and legal frameworks to improve service delivery to the people of Lesotho.

With this programme we have engaged in a truly collaborative effort and I would like to express our sincere thanks to our partners for this.

By prioritising the fight against corruption, the European Union reaffirms its commitment to promoting good governance, safeguarding democracy and ensuring sustainable economic growth for all its partner countries around the world.

Combating corruption requires a multifaceted approach that addresses both its systemic roots and its individual manifestations.

Transparency, accountability, and strong institutions are crucial in creating an environment where corruption cannot flourish unaffected.

We are closely following the developments in the sector and welcome the commitment to strengthen the resources for key institutions, such as the DCEO, in the fight against corruption, reflected, among other things, in the revival of district anti-corruption committees.

I cannot emphasise enough the importance of addressing corruption in a holistic, collaborative, evidenced-based and consistent manner, and as close as possible to the citizens.

Strong collaboration among institutions, especially anti-corruption and justice sector institutions, are critical in this respect.

The establishment of a witness and whistleblower protection mechanism is another crucial building bloc in the endeavour to fight corruption.

Such mechanism would facilitate the appearance of witnesses in court, avoiding procedural dismissals or excessive delays, and would encourage citizens to collaborate with oversight bodies and justice institution to enhance transparency. It would primarily protect witnesses from physical harm and be a strong instrument to uncover corruption cases.

Your motto says: “Fighting corruption can never succeed without active participation of all sectors of society”.

We could not agree more, the involvement of society at large, including civil society and the private sector, is essential to fight corruption. It is a whole of society responsibility that should start from school, where I believe, the culture of integrity could be promoted and be part of the curricula.

District Anti-Corruption Committees, like the one we are launching today, are instrumental tools to achieve your vision and build the broadest possible alliance against corruption.

Thank you.

Kea Leboha!

Khotso! Pula! Nala!