Niger: Parliament Sends Government Packing

Amazing! The Associate Press reported that Niger’s government dissolved after a no-confidence vote led by an opposition group in Parliament. Reason? Well, somebody took the money from the cookie jar provided by Europeans. They say Prime Minister Hama Amadou "chopped de monie" like my friends in Sierra Leone would say. In a country taht relies on AID for many programs, the embezzlement scandal and allegations that Mr. Amadou stole $1.2 million in international aid intended for Niger’s impoverished schools are and must not just end in small talk and reprimands.

While the situation is very sad, I hope other Africans adopt this simple idea- chop the money, out! For many of these corrupt officials who steal, they do not see that they themselves are responsible for deaths, malnutrition, and lack of education. I wish African governments would make public funds fraud a very serious offense to deter the criminals. Problem is that some of the criminals are very high up and well connected, which is why law enforcement and the justice systems should be strengthened and made independent.

I would love to see some of the NGOs that are interested in promoting start financially supporting institutions of democracy like the courts, prisons, law enforcement e.t.c. If these fools are locked up in those maximum prisons, then may be, and just may be, we may begin to see some change in here.