The All African Conference of Churches(AACC) has raised the red flag over the rising debt burden that African Countries are faced with.
An ecumenical fellowship with a presence in more than 40 African countries, AACC is urging churches in the continent to trigger conversations in their respective regions around the subject of rising public debt and corruption.
“Many African governments are hiding the true extent of their indebtedness. They are not telling people the truth. There is a worrying lack of awareness about the problem in the general population,” said Rev. Dr Fidon Mwombeki- AACC General Secretary.
He made these remarks during the virtual launch of a policy brief on Debt and Corruption by the AACC in Nairobi. The function attracted more than 60 participants from Africa, Europe and the USA.”
“Since debt and corruption lead to catastrophic problems to innocent masses, the church cannot stay on the sidelines,” said Dr. Mwombeki.
AACC has developed this policy brief to guide its stand on the debt crisis and corruption in the continent, as well as layout its campaign on working with its network of churches across Africa to campaign against the two growing challenges.
In many African Countries, there is a lot of secrecy around mega projects, particularly on contracts, procurement, financing, and awarding of tenders.
“AACC, while acknowledging the very negative role that has been played by international contractors and financiers in corrupting officials in Africa, the responsibility rests with our own governments,” said Dr. Mwombeki.
