The Angolan government has adopted a set of measures and laws aimed at combating corruption, ensuring that such acts do not become part of the culture, and facilitating the return of resources that had been diverted for private use back to the country. This was revealed on Tuesday in Luanda by João Pinto, the Inspector-General of the General Inspectorate of State Administration (IGAE), during the opening of a roundtable discussion marking International Anti-Corruption Day.
João Pinto highlighted that the approval of laws on money laundering, associated crimes, capital repatriation, and extended asset forfeiture demonstrated Angola’s courage in strengthening confidence in the process since 2018, following a speech by President João Lourenço.
“It is essential to continue educating, preventing, detecting, and alerting so that these practices do not undermine public trust and interest,” emphasized Pinto, calling for reflection on the issue.
He also stressed the importance of professionals in various fields, including doctors, accountants, auditors, lawyers, bankers, economists, managers, and public servants, being aware of their ethical duties. He argued that collective collaboration could help reduce uncertainty and mistrust in institutions.
João Pinto further noted that combating and preventing corruption should be seen as the responsibility of all citizens, emphasizing that when such practices occur within Angolan institutions, they jeopardize the public interest.
Audited Processes and State Revenue
From January 2023 to January 2024, around 124 audited processes concluded by the IGAE generated over six billion kwanzas and more than seven million dollars for the state. The figures were presented by Angélica Cristóvão, Head of the IGAE’s Investigative Intelligence Department, during the roundtable event.
Cristóvão outlined the IGAE’s activities, which align with the National Strategy for Corruption Prevention and Detection, approved by Presidential Decree 169-24. She mentioned that the certification of public debt is also a crucial tool for preventing and combating corruption.
Regarding complaints, the IGAE’s National Director for Complaints and Grievances, Petruska Ribeiro, clarified that 355 cases had been processed, noting that these included not only complaints but also grievances and various types of inquiries.
Provincial Actions and Ethical Culture Promotion
In the Bengo province, IGAE Provincial Delegate Péricles do Espírito Santos reported that 70 cases were opened this year, with 63 cases concluded and others archived and forwarded for further validation. He emphasized that health and education sectors accounted for the majority of complaints, with efforts focused on promoting ethical culture in public administration through lectures in six municipalities.
Source: Jornal de Angola
