CORRUPTION FIGHT IN ‘COMA’
…IIAG Undresses ACC
By Ibrahim Alusine Kamara (Kamalo)
Sierra Leone’s anti-corruption campaign has been dealt another heavy blow after the latest Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) reported a sustained decline in the country’s governance performance, raising serious questions about the effectiveness of the nation’s fight against corruption.
The assessment, released on July 8, 2026, classifies Sierra Leone as an “increasingly deteriorating” country, noting that its governance score fell again in 2025 and that the rate of decline has accelerated since 2021.
The report calls for greater transparency, stronger accountability mechanisms and more consistent, impartial enforcement of anti-corruption laws, suggesting that significant gaps remain in the country’s governance architecture despite years of anti-corruption campaigns.
The findings have placed renewed scrutiny on the leadership of the Anti-Corruption Commission under Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala, whose tenure has been marked by several high-profile investigations and prosecutions. However, the latest governance assessment has reignited debate over whether those efforts have translated into measurable improvements in the country’s overall anti-corruption and governance performance.
Public criticism has also persisted over what some citizens, civil society actors and opposition politicians describe as selective enforcement of anti-corruption laws. They contend that investigations have largely focused on officials associated with the previous administration while allegations involving serving government officials have not received the same level of attention. The Anti-Corruption Commission has consistently denied those claims, insisting that all investigations are conducted independently and strictly on the basis of available evidence.
Governance observers say the IIAG findings should serve as a wake-up call for policymakers, warning that restoring public confidence will require not only successful prosecutions but also a demonstrably fair, transparent and impartial anti-corruption regime that applies equally to all public officials.
With Sierra Leone’s governance indicators continuing on a downward trajectory, the IIAG report is expected to intensify calls for reforms aimed at strengthening accountability institutions, reinforcing the rule of law and ensuring that the fight against corruption is both effective and seen to be free from political influence.