President Paul Kagame has called on Rwanda’s judiciary to give
‘special focus’ on corruption cases and other financial crimes involving
high-ranking officials.
He said the anti-graft fight should not only target low-ranking officers but also senior government workers.
“We
still have people in the judiciary who pursue their own gains, and
those who seek services from our courts know this,” President Kagame
said while addressing judicial officers at a ceremony to mark new
financial year 2017-2018 in Kigali.
Rwanda
is ranked as the least corrupt country in the East African region and
its zero-tolerance policy has attracted praise in the region and
globally.
However, anti-corruption watchdogs decry that the ‘big fish’ often get away with graft.
The President told the judicial officers to “begin by holding leaders accountable, not just citizens”.
“If
it was me, I would start with corrupt leaders and others who occupy
certain positions in the Rwandan society, because justice cannot only
concern small citizens while those in higher positions are shielded,”
President Kagame said.
Responding to the call to
action, Chief Justice Sam Rugege said already six court officials had
been dismissed over corruption related offences.
“Fighting corruption is a battle we cannot accept to lose, even if it takes long to be victorious” Prof Rugege said.
The
judges also took the opportunity to ask for better compensation, to
which the President responded he would “increase the legitimate support”
if they dealt with corruption.
“I think this is a fair deal,” he added.
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