For far too long, the people of the Gambella Region have been trapped in a relentless cycle of corruption
Alemitu and the Water issue in Gambella
that has shattered their trust and stunted their development.
The story is all too familiar: officials embezzle public funds, face little to no consequences, and are quickly moved to new positions where they can continue their corrupt activities.
This is not governance; it is organized theft, robbing millions of the opportunities they rightfully deserve.
The impact of this systemic corruption is glaringly evident. Essential infrastructure projects, such as the Gambella Water Supply Project, have succumbed to mismanagement, with significant amounts of money allocated for clean water and sanitation vanishing without a trace.
Communities desperately in need of safe drinking water are left in despair, while those who misappropriated these funds remain untouchable, their power unchallenged. Meanwhile, the citizens of the region are forced to confront the daily struggle of inadequate public services.
The plight of the Gambella Region reveals a crisis far deeper than the mismanagement of a single project. It uncovers a culture that not only tolerates theft but actively rewards wrongdoing. Promises of development and progress ring hollow against the backdrop of unfinished roads, hospitals lacking essential medicines, and schools falling into disrepair.
This represents a failure of governance that prioritizes the interests of a corrupt elite over the basic needs of the population.
Now is the time for change. The people of the Gambella Region deserve more than superficial solutions; they deserve justice.
To genuinely tackle this pervasive corruption, we must advocate for:
- Independent Investigations: Conduct thorough investigations into corruption cases, free from political interference.
- Transparency in Public Funds: Ensure clarity regarding public finances, including disclosure of misappropriated resources and accountability for those responsible for the theft.
- Legal Consequences: Hold officials accountable for looting public resources, establishing a legal framework that deters future misconduct.
- Ending Impunity: Put an end to the pervasive culture of impunity that allows corruption to flourish unchecked.
This issue transcends mere economics—it is a moral imperative. Corruption is a crime against the people, robbing them not only of their future but also of their dignity. It exacerbates poverty and restricts access to vital services such as clean water, healthcare, and education.
The silence surrounding this injustice must end. If we do not act now, the repercussions will be severe; corruption will continue to stifle progress, and ordinary citizens will suffer even more with each passing day.
This article is authored by Pam Chuol Joack, a scholar and analyst specializing in Gambella affairs.
