Corruption in Africa: A Threat to Justice and Sustainable Peace (Focus) (Volume 14)

Corruption has always existed in different forms, and is not determined by politics or geography. It exists in rich and poor countries alike, it involves both individual States and international organizations and its costs are borne by the citizens. It affects the proper running of governments, distorts the correct functioning of economic and political institutions, and hampers transparency. While the manifestations of corruption are limitless, its roots seem to be identifiable in the immoderate inclination for material wealth and power. While wealth in the African traditional setting came along with the responsibility to promote the common good, today wealth seems to be an end in itself. It is a misdirected pursuit of happiness in wealth and power. Because of the many challenges that corruption brings to the society, it has become a cause of great concern today, not only to the church and the state, but also to the institutions of higher education. This concern on corruption is the basis of this book and capture the sharing at the conference of the Centre for Social Justice and Ethics on: “Corruption: A threat to Justice and Sustainable Peace in Africa”, held at the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.