Ellen tells African leaders, blasts IMF, WB, others
Congo City, Monrovia, Could 25, 2026 – Former Liberian President and Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf has expressed concern over the persistent lack of thousands and thousands of {dollars} to corruption throughout Africa, regardless of the continent’s notable strides in financial development, democracy, public well being, and schooling in latest a long time.
On the identical occasion, the previous chief sharply criticized the Worldwide Financial Fund (IMF), the World Financial institution, the African Union, and the European Financial institution, describing their involvement in Africa’s improvement as a tragedy fueled by self-interest.
Addressing delegates on the twenty second convention of the African Group of English-Talking Supreme Audit Establishments (AFROSAI-E) in Monrovia, Sirleaf cautioned that Africa stands at a crossroads. She acknowledged the continent’s positive factors in financial development, democracy, and public well being, however warned of ongoing challenges.
Sustain with the most recent headlines on WhatsApp | LinkedIn
“But, we proceed to lose thousands and thousands of {dollars} yearly to corruption, mismanagement, and illicit monetary flows. Sources meant for colleges, hospitals, and roads typically vanish. In lots of circumstances, these losses go undetected for years,” she lamented.
Delivering frank remarks to representatives of SAI, the IMF, the World Financial institution, the African Union, the European Financial institution, and all others current, she boldly famous that their engagement with this course of is a tragedy and is pushed by self-interest.
In line with Sirleaf, strong audit establishments are essential for attracting improvement funding, enhancing nationwide credit score profiles, and guaranteeing steady, predictable governance.
She emphasised the significance of energetic citizenship, urging Africans to pay taxes and interact in civic life. Sirleaf famous that the returns on such investments are among the many highest of any authorities initiative.
Sirleaf expressed her belief within the establishments and urged collaboration to attain their shared, noble targets.
“After I replicate on our efforts, I don’t search to current a flawless file. Errors have been made, and establishments typically fell quick. Progress was uneven, and the tradition of accountability faces ongoing challenges. Stewardship of public belief is a collective accountability,” she remarked.
Sirleaf referred to as on civil society, the non-public sector, media, improvement companions, and residents alike to commit to creating integrity the norm, not the exception.
Join free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the most recent in African information delivered straight to your inbox
“Attaining this requires a real cultural shift in values and expectations governing public life,” she concluded, thanking contributors for his or her efforts in selling accountable governance and accountable stewardship of nationwide sources.