“Burkindi” Members Discuss Corruption With American Specialist
Members of the National Assembly’s committee on corruption - Burkindi – met with Professor John R. Heilbrunn on July 22 to examine the culture of corruption. The group discussed the fine line between what some people might call as a “gift,” and what a “bribe.” Given that in African societies it is traditional to offer gifts to people in authority or who render you a service, this was a common cause for concern among the deputies. The consensus was a “gift” is something publicly displayed, with the donor recognized and honored, while a bribe is something privately accepted and never publicly acknowledged. Transparency is the key. Another topic addressed was the need to educate people -- especially young people -- about the nature of corruption and the need to fight it at every opportunity and at all levels. Professor Heilbrunn received his PhD in Political Science from UCLA. In addition to his distinguished academic career, over the years has served as a consultant to or been employed by the World Bank, the US Agency for International Development, and other international organizations. He was also a Peace Corps volunteer in Benin from 1980 – 1982.