Corruption myths

Isn't corruption a problem in many African countries because it is (mis-) governed by autocratic dictators?  Doesn't development aid add to corruption?  Don't some cultures accept corruption as a way of life?

Isn't corruption just a problem in developing countries?

In fact, the Organization for Economic Cooperation & Development (OECD) conservatively estimates that multinational companies (mostly western) pay bribes totaling US $80bn each year. To find out more about the myths and facts of corruption, read: Corruption:  Myths and Facts, Published by Dóchas - Association of Irish Non-Governmental Development Organizations, March 2007

Anabella De León

Anabella De León is not very well known outside Guatemala but in Central American, she has made headlines as an outspoken critic of corruption. Currently she is serving her fourth term in Congress as a member of the Patriotic Party, which last weekend elected her to one of its top posts of Third National Secretary.

In her fight against corruption, Anabella de León has made dangerous adversaries. A rare product of meritocracy in Guatemala, she worked her way out of poverty and into the halls of Congress. One of her earliest legislative actions was participating in the Guatemalan Peace Accords, which ended 36 years of violent civil war. A fierce advocate for women’s equal rights, Anabella battles the discrimination and prejudice that disadvantage Guatemala’s indigenous population.

After 22 years of speaking out against corruption, first as a lawyer and then as a congresswoman, De León says she remains fearful given the legacy of violence and instability in Guatemala. In an interview with CNN, she said "People in Guatemala are tired, tired of injustice, tired of corruption, tired of abuses, of violations," she said. "Guatemala needs to change. But for change, you need not one voice, not two voices, not 20 voices. Fifty-thousand people in the last demonstration are proof that everybody's tired."

Anabella De León is a woman of angry hope.