Transparency Maroc marks anniversary

14/05/2006

[File] Labelle

Transparency Maroc celebrated its 10th anniversary with a two-day programme of conferences that started Friday (12 May) in Rabat. Huguette Labelle, president of Transparency International, stressed the serious effects of corruption on society and the alarming situation of corruption throughout the world. According to her, $148 billion is wasted annually because of corruption in Africa, accounting for 25 per cent of the continental GDP.

Transparency Maroo has dedicated its 2006 efforts to the health and justice sectors. "We chose the health sector because it has major importance in society and justice because it is a key element in the fight against corruption," says Kamal Mesbahi, a member of the Executive Board.

Participants in the conferences voiced their optimism that eradicating corruption is still possible, despite the fact that it has spread in many fields in Morocco. Possible government steps to abate the problem include drafting of anti-corruption laws, signing the UN convention against corruption and setting up of a new Parliamentary commission for fighting corruption. (Morocco Times)