Rwanda Bribery Index: Bribery in Rwanda is low but significant money is involved and report mechanisms are not often used
Bribery in Rwanda is limited but a number of challenges remain, reveals a new report published today by Transparency Rwanda (TR), the civil society organisation leading the fight against corruption. The report, Rwanda Bribery Index (RBI) 2010, is the first attempt to analyse in depth the current state of this specific form of corruption at national level.
The study confirms that the fight against corruption in Rwanda is paying off, as the likelihood of encountering bribe demand occurrences is 3.9%, the prevalence of bribery is 2.15% and the impact of bribery on service delivery is 1.98%, while more than 80% of Rwandans have neither encountered nor witnessed corruption.
However a number of challenges remain, as the average size of bribes paid in a year by those who indulged in corruption was a significant Rwf 27,467 and bribes paid range from Rwf 200 to a stunning Rwf 600,000. Moreover, several indicators show that some institutions are quite affected by this vice, including the Police (which received 52.3% of all bribes paid), civil society (which registered the highest likelihood of bribe demand occurrences at 16.8%), local government bodies, conciliators and the private sector. The research also shows that, while most Rwandans say they will take positive actions should they encounter bribery in the future, 56% have not reported the corruption cases they have come across.
“We are pleased that our study confirms that bribery levels in our country are so low and we commend all those institutions which fight corruption on a daily basis” said Marie Immaculée Ingabire, Chairperson of Transparency Rwanda. “However we must remain vigilant, strengthen the transparency of those institutions which are mostly affected, continue sensitise the population and improve the accessibility of reporting mechanisms” she added.
The Rwanda Bribery Index shows that 35.8% of citizens think that enough is being done to fight corruption, but an ever greater share (56%) believe that while there is good effort, more needs to be done, with the difficulty to tackle grand corruption being an area of concern. The study also indicates that the Police is the institution that the citizens have most faith in to lead the fight against corruption, followed by the Ombudsman and the Presidency.
“However a wide range of actors must engage in combating corruption and an integrated effort by Government, private sector and civil society is required if the fight is to be won” concluded Apollinaire Mupiganyi, Transparency Rwanda’s Executive Secretary.
TR calls on public institutions, civil society and private sector to strengthen their governance structures, continue raise awareness on the negative effects of corruption and monitor service delivery at local level. While it is essential to encourage citizens to report corruption, it is also crucial to improve the accessibility and confidentiality of reporting mechanisms.
Download the Rwanda Bribery Index Report here.
Notes to the editor
Corruption is operationally defined by Transparency International (TI) as the abuse of entrusted power for private gain.
Bribery is a form of corruption. It is an act implying money or gift given that alters the behaviour of the recipient. Bribery can be defined as the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of any item of value to influence the actions of an official or other person in charge of a public or legal duty.
Transparency Rwanda (TR), a legally recognized NGO established in 2004, is a growing institution in Rwanda increasingly seen as a leading anti-corruption actor. TR’s vision is “Zero tolerance to corruption in the Rwandan society” while its mission is “To contribute in the fight against corruption and promoting good governance through enhancing integrity in the Rwandan society”. TR is part of the Transparency International movement.
For any press enquiries please contact
Marie Immaculée Ingabire, TR Chairperson
T: +250 (0)788300248
Apollinaire Mupiganyi, TR Executive Secretary
T: +250 (0)788309563
E: [email protected]
