Corruption is prevalent and widespread in the MENA countries, manifesting itself most frequently in the shape of both petty and grand corruption. Here, corruption is marked strongly by the unique style of governance found throughout the region; it is deeply rooted in the political infrastructure of the state (mainly military dictatorships, totalitarian regimes or monarchies); the institutional infrastructure of the public sector (typically very large, overstaffed with low salaries), and develops as a result of the relatively limited opportunities for public participation. Several other factors that contribute to providing opportunities for corruption and encourage limited transparency in the region include regional and/or national insecurities, the prevalence of conflict and heavy dependence on oil revenues.

All countries exhibit weaknesses in terms of accountability and access to civil and political rights and political participation is less advanced in the Arab world than in other developing regions. Not a single country in the region figures in the top half of the world in terms of public accountability, as measured in terms of access to information or holding leaders accountable for their actions.

Transparency International’s Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) consistently ranks MENA countries below the world median, with some degrees of variation across countries. Similarly, MENA countries consistently score lower in relation to other countries with similar income levels. Clearly there is a need to fight corruption. An overview of the 2008 CPI scores for MENA countries can be downloaded here.

The fight against corruption in the MENA region must address the root causes of the issue. In order to make real impact, efforts must involve multiple sectors of the society including initiatives from the public (such as anti-corruption reforms and conventions), from within parliaments, from civil society and the private sector.

Anti-corruption conventions can also a useful political tool to promote anti-corruption reform. The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) is the only international convention applicable in this region. While the UNCAC has been signed by all countries in the region (and ratified by many, including Algeria, Egypt, Jordan, Yemen, Morocco and Lebanon) implementation remains a major challenge for the present and future.

In many MENA countries, public anti-corruption efforts have resulted in the creation of anti-corruption bodies, the adoption or amendment of anti-corruption legislation and, in some cases, the prosecution of high profile corruption cases. Anti-corruption measures have also been integrated into relevant areas of core governance reforms such as administrative and civil service reform.

Parliamentary anti-corruption initiatives face specific challenges in the MENA region due to weak voice and accountability mechanisms as well as the social and political context in the region. The Arab Region Parliamentarians against Corruption (ARPAC) is an initiative that aims to promote the ratification and implementation of the UNCAC by the Arab Governments.

Civil society organizations combating corruption in the MENA region have been emerging for the last two decades. However, they continue to face many difficulties in the form of complex registration procedures, the prohibition to engage in political activities or highly restricted freedom of the press, and also cultural constraints. Due to these difficulties, only a few organizations - mainly, but not exclusively, those linked to the TI network - are able to systematically address corruption-related issues.

Notwithstanding the difficult socio-political conditions, the TI network in the MENA region has grown to encompass many contacts and as well as some fully fledged National Chapters (NC), that implement a wide variety of programmes aimed primarily at raising awareness and providing education on corruption.

Transparency Morocco, TI Lebanon and TI-Palestine (AMAN - The Coalition for Accountability and Integrity) are accredited National Chapters with multifaceted programmes, while very active chapters in formation include Algeria, Bahrain and Kuwait.

Programmes implemented by TI’s National Chapters in the MENA region include Promoting Transparency and Enhancing Integrity in the Arab Region, a three year regional project aiming to conduct research and develop anti-corruption advocacy and tools for measuring, monitoring and reporting on anti-corruption efforts in the MENA region. Increased government responsiveness and accountability through building the capacity of civil society and engaging citizens to participate in the fight against corruption is the objective of another TI programme, TIM ALAC, establishing Advocacy & Legal Advice Centres to help citizens pursue official corruption-related complaints.

In the face of governmental resistance, TI has adopted a coalition building approach in an attempt to bring together representatives from various sectors joined by the common fight against corruption as a way to both strengthen democracy and increase participation in political processes.

Overview of Corruption in MENA Countries (U4 Expert Answer by Marie Chêne)

Civil Society Anti-Corruption Initiatives in MENA Countries (U4 Expert Answer by Marie Chêne)

Country Profiles - MENA (Business Anti-Corruption Portal)

A searchable data base of all published U4 Anti-Corruption Helpdesk Expert Answers about Sub-Saharan Africa and specific countries is available here.