Karzai Vows To Fight Corruption

Afghan President Hamid Karzai has been sworn in for a second term. During his inauguration, Karzai sought to reassure the West that his presidency would effectively change the culture of corruption within the Afghan government in concrete ways.

Mr. Karzai made reconciliation a major theme of his speech. He talked of including the Taliban in the democratic process, and of power sharing with his former presidential rival Abdullah Abdullah. He spoke of holding a conference to educate lawmakers on how to fight corruption.

It is not easy for heads of state to route out systemic corruption. Governmental mechanisms have to be put in place in order to tackle the job. One such mechanism being implemented in Afghanistan is the formation of a new anti-corruption unit to be led by Afghanistan’s justice minister Mohammad Sarwar.

Thousands of police officers are thought to be on the take of bribes. Government workers expect extra payments to process official documentation. Health care professionals expect extra payments to ensure adequate medical treatment. And politicians are thought to bribe their way to power while in office.

“For the next five years, the priority of Karzai is to fight corruption,” said interior minister Hanif Atmar.