…But Local Critics Not Convinced
Some Sierra Leoneans are celebrating again as Sierra Leone has once again recorded an impressive performance in the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) Control of Corruption Indicator, scoring 74% in 2024.
This marks the seventh consecutive year of remarkable improvement, solidifying the country’s consistent progress since 2018 when it first exceeded the 70% threshold.
The latest score positions Sierra Leone ahead of several African nations, including Ghana (70%), Malawi (72%), and Ivory Coast (63%), and cements its status as the top performer in the Mano River Union. The country has outperformed regional peers such as Nigeria (45%), Guinea (55%), and Liberia (57%).
The streak of high scores highlights Sierra Leone’s determination to combat corruption effectively, a far cry from 2017, when it failed the indicator with a 49% score. “This achievement underscores Sierra Leone’s steadfast commitment to controlling corruption and fostering good governance,” said the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) in a statement.
Sierra Leone’s progress extends beyond the MCC scorecard. In Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index 2023, the country climbed 22 places to rank 108, scoring 35 points—its highest ever above the Sub-Saharan African average.
The 2021/2023 Afrobarometer Survey further validated the government’s efforts, with 58% of respondents praising its anti-corruption performance. This score surpasses the 39-country average of 29%, placing Sierra Leone among only six African nations where a majority approve of their government’s fight against corruption.
The Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance 2024 also highlighted Sierra Leone’s progress. The country ranked 7th among 54 African nations for improved governance from 2014 to 2023, with anti-corruption mechanisms scoring 54.5, well above regional averages.
Sierra Leone’s achievements reflect a robust and sustained commitment to governance reform and corruption control. These consistent high scores bolster the country’s reputation as a leader in anti-corruption initiatives in Africa, providing a solid foundation for continued economic and social development.
As Sierra Leone enters its eighth year of reforms, the ACC urged continued public support and vigilance in ensuring transparency and accountability remain at the forefront of governance.
The country’s sustained performance in regional and global rankings underscores its growing influence as a model for anti-corruption efforts on the continent.
However, local critics say the positive indicator rating of Sierra Leone against anti-corruption is absurded and not realistic. They question the parameters used in rating Sierra Leone.