In the pursuit of security, African nations worldwide invest heavily in defense and security infrastructures to safeguard citizens’ lives and properties.
However, in Africa, achieving security is often hindered by the conduct of security officials, leading to pervasive challenges for citizens.
Instances abound where African citizens are compelled to part with their earnings when interacting with law enforcement, either to navigate bureaucratic hurdles or ensure a swift response from the police.
Systemic corruption exacerbates these challenges, undermining citizens’ confidence in law enforcement agencies. Despite anti-corruption laws in place across many African nations, enforcement remains problematic.
An Afrobarometer survey spanning 39 African countries underscores the extent of these challenges, revealing alarming statistics regarding police conduct and citizen experiences.
Of those who sought police assistance, 36% admitted to having paid bribes for services, highlighting the prevalence of corruption within law enforcement agencies.
This nexus between police misconduct, corruption, and public trust consequently impacts citizens’ perceptions of safety and government performance in crime reduction efforts.
The following list highlights ten African countries grappling with high police bribery rates:
Rank – Country – Police assistance
- Liberia 78%
- Nigeria 75%
- Sierra Leone 72%
- Uganda 71%
- Congo-Brazzaville 68%
- Cameroon 63%
- Burkina Faso 62%
- Guinea 53%
- Kenya 52%
- Gabon 51%
In conclusion, these figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive reforms within law enforcement agencies across Africa to restore public trust, enhance professionalism, and combat corruption effectively.
