Introduction

Good governance is an important pillar of a country’s sustainable development. It remains a benchmark for assessing the development of states worldwide. In many African countries, good governance indicators reveal critical scores. In the governance of these states, there is rampant corruption, a lack of transparency in the management of public funds and a lack of accountability. Add to this list the unfulfilled promises in terms of human rights: civil, cultural, economic, political and social rights. This justifies the level of development in African countries today, which is far from enabling every citizen to enjoy adequate living conditions. Technical and financial partners are concerned about the health of these States and their determination to free themselves from underdevelopment.

The challenges of good governance under transitional regimes in Sahelian states

   The Sahelian states of Niger, Mali and Burkina, which are transitional regimes led by the military, have made the fight against corruption their primary concern. This policy of cleaning up public finances is the result of the will of those primarily responsible, the heads of state. Indeed, it’s a well-known truth in Africa that military regimes sometimes have a free hand, unlike democratic civilian regimes which come to power through political alliances of all kinds. 

   However, in these alliances, the politicians in power often find themselves trapped in an impasse when it comes to launching a “clean hands” operation within their own political families. This opportunity during transitional regimes to clean up public finances remains imperative for future legislation to include preventive legal measures to reduce corruption at the highest levels of government.

Niger, a case in point

In Niger, the Head of State, the President of the National Council for the Safeguarding Homeland (Conseil national pour la sauvegarde la Patrie, CNSP), made a promise to combat all forms of economic delinquency to clean up public finances after deposing the democratic regime of deposed President Bazoum Mohamed following a coup d’état. The population blames this regime for rampant corruption, which prevents the establishment of good governance in the country. The paradigm shift, however, calls for an anti-corruption policy to restore the rights of the State.  This desire on the part of Niger’s transitional Head of State has led to the creation, by decree, of the Commission de Lutte contre la Délinquance Économique Financière et Fiscale (CoLDEFF), whose mission is, and remains, to restore the State’s rights. Assets are looted by individuals who have taken the State for their milk cow or their family patrimony. It is therefore imperative for the members of the CNSP to use the looted funds to improve basic social sectors. This institution, which is already operational, represents the hope of an entire people to build on a new foundation of good governance. 

Good governance rhymes with respect for human rights 

Respect for human rights requires an independent judiciary with full power over its players. Today, the President of the CNSP is committed to giving justice free rein, despite the exceptional nature of the transition. Justice must remain independent if it is to be social and equitable.

Conclusion

Good governance remains an imperative for states to get out of their rut. Leaders and State bodies remain the key actors in the productive practice of good governance, and their firm commitment to it. Technical and financial partners must help to better monitor and apply development indicators.