Regresar

Judicial corruption in Africa: Senegal and Madagascar in comparative perspective

Abstract:

This article examines the factors that led Senegal and Madagascar, two African countries with similar levels of judicial corruption at a specific historical period, into different trajectories in terms of this social phenomenon. While Senegal reduced cases of judicial corruption, Madagascar increased them. The article argues Senegal, unlike Madagascar, developed institutional stability, which allowed for the consolidation of the democratic regime. Senegal also built an independent public policy to combat corruption with the participation of international organizations, while in Madagascar, attempts at reform were quickly co-opted by political actors. In addition, just in Senegal judicial proceedings were held to prosecute corruption cases, which helped develop changes in the judiciary which were beneficial for the judges themselves. In sum, greater democratic stability, anti-corruption policies led by actors external to the government, and positive signals of change within the judiciary are the factors that contribute to a country reducing its levels of judicial corruption.