Lessons from Salim Ahmed Salim on Combating Corruption in Africa through Youth Empowerment and Integrity
Good governance is about transparency and accountability. Without these, trust between the government and the people is eroded, and corruption takes root. – Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim.
By Anezka Marwa, Columbia GS'25
The life and legacy of Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, Columbia SIPA alumnus, celebrated Pan-Africanist and elder statesman, was the focus of a recent webinar hosted by the Columbia Global Centers in Nairobi. This event was part of a series of webinars in partnership with the Salim Ahmed Salim Digital Archive, which aims to preserve and share Dr Salim’s extensive contributions to peacekeeping, diplomacy, and development in Africa. Launched by the President of Tanzania, the archive is a treasure trove of documents and speeches collected meticulously by Dr Salim, offering invaluable insights into African history from an African perspective.
The inaugural webinar, “Enhancing Good Governance Practice for Sustainable Development,” was moderated by the esteemed John Sibi-Okumu, who guided a discussion with four distinguished panelists: Ambassador Liberata Mulamula, Professor Adigun Agbaje, Professor Okechukwu Ibeanu, and Dr Gedion Onyango. The discussion centered on themes critical to Salim Ahmed Salim’s vision for Africa: empowering youth, transparency, accountability, ethical leadership, anti-corruption, democracy and public participation, sustainable development, conflict resolution, and international cooperation. Sibi-Okumu encouraged the panelists to reflect on how these themes have evolved in practice, beginning with an exploration of Salim’s quotes and their relevance in the present day.
Understanding the Pervasiveness of Corruption in African Settings
Corruption, a pervasive issue in many African countries, undermines governance and development. The panelists unanimously agreed that corruption is deeply rooted and devastates African societies. Professor Agbaje delineated that despite the existence of anti-corruption institutions, corruption persists due to a lack of political will and legal enforcement. He also argued that without strategic thinking and a focus on the people, transparency and accountability in governance remain elusive. Additionally, Dr Onyango highlighted that the African state is built on a system of deception, which erodes the capacity of the state to hold its public servants accountable.
Finally, Professor Ibeanu conveyed the importance of altering the language of corruption, arguing that the term has become a catch-all phrase that often minimizes the severity of acts like theft and embezzlement. He insisted that explicitly labeling these acts as “thievery” or “stealing of public funds” would shame those who live beyond their means and engage in corrupt behavior. This would foster a more honest discourse around the issue, which is crucial for effectively addressing and mitigating corruption.
Empowering the Youth of today for a Better Future Tomorrow
Salim Ahmed Salim once said, "The future of our continent depends on the empowerment of young leaders. We must invest in their education, mentorship, and access to historical knowledge." The panelists echoed this sentiment and stressed the importance of youth empowerment in combating corruption. Ambassador Mulamula underscored that preserving the history and legacy of leaders like Dr Salim is crucial for inspiring the next generation. She pointed out that Dr Salim's career, marked by integrity and dedication, is a model for young leaders.
Professor Agbaje, drawing from his research in Liberia, Zambia, Botswana, and the Central African Republic, highlighted the challenges African Youth face, including unemployment and lack of access to education. He argued for a return to traditional educational systems that evoke Africa's past and present, enabling the youth to build a better future. Furthermore, Dr. Onyango criticized the marginalization of youth in politics, arguing that they should be posited at the center of governance processes since they constitute the majority of the African population, aligning with Dr. Salim's belief in empowering young leaders.
Finally, Professor Ibeanu noted that young people carry the genetic material for social change, innovation, and desire for progress. He pointed out that youth movements in Nigeria, such as the "Not Too Young to Run" campaign, have successfully lowered the age of political representation, highlighting the critical role of Youth in driving political and economic changes.
Prioritizing Ethical Leadership Beyond International Appeasement
Salim Ahmed Salim believed that "Leaders must always remember that they are servants of the people." The panelists concurred that transparency, accountability, and ethical leadership are essential for good governance. Professor Agbaje argued that governance systems must prioritize the needs and interests of the people to ensure transparency and accountability. He also emphasized the need for strong institutions infused with substance, where leaders are held accountable by the people.
Additionally, Dr. Onyango pointed out that while African populations are increasingly asserting their voices, the system often fights back. Therefore, to tackle corruption and the "big man syndrome," Dr Onyango called for widespread actions such as increased civic engagement and rising youth activism to ensure leaders are held accountable.
Professor Ibeanu also discussed the importance of structures and institutions for holding leaders accountable. He noted that African electoral processes are often undermined by cultural and ethnic practices, making accountability difficult. Additionally, he maintained that African leaders' transparency and accountability should be directed towards their people and not just for international appeasement.
Finally, Ambassador Mulamula asserted that a person's upbringing is crucial for good leadership. She believes leadership embodies values like transparency and accountability, and it is vital to nurture these values in individuals from a young age. She also underscored that Dr Salim's career exemplified good leadership qualities because he was accountable to the people and himself.
In conclusion, the recent webinar hosted by Columbia Global Centers Nairobi highlighted the crucial role of transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment in combating corruption and fostering good governance in Africa. The distinguished panelists agreed that eradicating corruption requires a multifaceted approach. They emphasized that by empowering youth through education and involvement in governance while reinforcing values of transparency and accountability, Africa can restore public trust and build a more equitable society. Ultimately, the legacy of Salim Ahmed Salim serves as a beacon of integrity and commitment, reminding us that cultivating leadership qualities from a young age and investing in the next generation is crucial for overcoming the systemic challenges facing the continent today.