Political corruption
Eu cash 'carousel' for green lobbyists
IPN News coverage
Robert Mendick of The Sunday Telegraph reports on IPN's "Friends of the EU" report.
Stop enabling Kenya's kleptocrats
IPN Opinion article
Michela Wrong's new book on Kenyan corruption-buster John Githongo has been an immediate hit, serialised in Kenya's Daily Nation and selling fast everywhere. This characteristically outspoken review by Sir Edward Clay explains why.
Sir Edward was British High Commissioner in Nairobi at the time of the Githongo saga and was reprimanded by his own masters and the Kenyan government for his comments on corruption. He has a strong message for aid donors whose largesse supports ruling cliques in Africa.
The elephant in the dining room
IPN Opinion article
With much of the pre-G8 talk devoted to Africa and climate change, this year's agenda should really be about Russia's undeserved place in a gathering of industrialised democracies.
Aid and debt relief won't help Africa
IPN Opinion article
Sending billions in aid to Africa is like pouring water "into leaky bowls," says the head of an African pro-market think-tank.
"It is laughable to assume that just writing off poor country debts will stop the inefficiency and corruption," said Franklin Cudjoe, head of Ghana-based Imani, who argues that aid bolsters corrupt governments. Forgiving debts just frees up more money for inefficient pet projects aimed at political popularity, he maintains.
Kenya: One Man Faces Much Corruption
IPN Opinion article
A new, democratically elected president will mean little if Mwai Kibaki does not follow through on his pledge to reduce corruption. This also means he must protect property rights, promote the rule of law and encourage free markets. These institutions promote economic activity that leads to growth and development, since people can own and exchange goods without fear of arbitrary expropriation, either by bandits or by the state.
