afrol News, 13 February - Civil society and community based groups have been invited in a continent wide discussion aimed at improving the work of anti-corruption agencies in Africa.

The Governance and Public Administration Division (GPAD) of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) announced today the creation of an e-discussion group on anti-corruption.

The discussion called “Improving the role of anti-corruption institutions in Africa” follows on from the GPAD meeting in Kigali on anti-corruption taking place on 16-17 February. The online discussion opens 17 February and will run for four weeks until 16 March 2009, the agency said.

The agency said the overall goal of the discussion is to encourage an exchange of views and experiences on how to improve the role of national anti-corruption agencies in Africa. A study conducted by GPAD looking into these institutions, found that most of them have not performed up to expectations.

"It is hoped that the discussion will bring out ways to make these institutions more effective and efficient to successfully carry out their mandate of corruption control. It will also allow for constructive exchange on the challenges that impede the work of national anti-corruption institutions and provide some solutions," GPAD in a statement.

Participants representing all sides of the anti-corruption debate - including civil society groups, community based organisations, academics, policy and decision makers and the national anti-corruption institutions - are encouraged to take part, the agency said.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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