During African Anti-Corruption Day, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chair of the African Union Commission, urged all member states to underscore human dignity in their anti-graft strategies.
The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated under the theme, Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption. The commemoration held annually on 11 July, aligns this year with the overarching AU theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”
The Chair emphasised that corruption is not merely an economic crime but a direct assault on human dignity and security as it robs countries of their potential and individuals of their dignity. Corruption undermines trust in our institutions, diverts resources meant for development, and perpetuates inequality and poverty. The Chair went on to highlight that corruption strips citizens, particularly women, youth, children and the most vulnerable, of their fundamental rights, freedoms, and opportunities to thrive, leading to tragic consequences like increased maternal mortality due to diverted health funds or lack of basic education for children.
He highlights the intrinsic link between the fight against corruption and the broader pursuit of justice and reparations. He notes that just as the continent seeks to address historical injustices through reparations, it must equally dismantle contemporary corrupt systems that perpetuate indignity and injustice.
The 2025 Africa Anti-Corruption Day theme seeks to sensitise Africans of the importance to examine history, and to shape a shared future, based on the dignity of her people. The Chair reiterated that the African Union has prioritised the fight against corruption as a cornerstone of its Agenda 2063, envisioning an Africa where integrity, accountability, and transparency prevail.
He stresses that the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), adopted 22 years ago, remains the guiding framework. He urges member states to continue aligning national legislation and strategies with its principles, particularly Article 2(4), which enjoins state parties to promote socio-economic development by removing obstacles to the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights.
The AU Chair is calling for immediate action by members to fulfil their commitment to effectively tackle corruption and implement measures that apply a human rights lens in prevention and enforcement. He also called for unity to dismantle corruption’s structures and build a continent where human dignity is protected and celebrated.
