Middle East & Africa | Pretty words for petty corruption

How to ask for a bribe without asking for a bribe

In southern Africa try invoking thirst; in west Africa, religion

https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldbank/9365029959
Image: Philip Schuler/The World Bank
|ABUJA

“Corruption is our biggest enemy and is not welcome here.” So goes the slogan of Malawi’s most recent anti-graft campaign. Similar messages can be found in public places in many other African countries. In some, such as South Africa and Kenya, citizens are encouraged to call hotlines to report kickbacks.

This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Synonyms for sweeteners”

From the April 22nd 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

Discover more

SYRIA-CONFLICT-JIHADISTS

Syrian rebels sweep into Aleppo in an embarrassing rout for Bashar al-Assad 

The Syrian dictator will not be able to count on help from Russia and Iran, his closest allies

President Joe Biden shakes hands with President João Manuel Gonçalve Lourenço of the Republic of Angola

America under Joe Biden plays the pragmatist in Africa

Donald Trump is likely to follow suit


Leishmaniasis research by DNDi

New cures for Africa’s most gruesome diseases

Sleeping sickness, riverblindness and more could be tackled


Nigeria seeks to restore pride in its artefacts, ancient and modern

A new museum in Benin City will showcase “a cauldron of creativity”

The Lebanese-American businessman in Donald Trump’s inner circle

Can Massad Boulos influence the incoming administration in the region?

Israel and Hizbullah strike a fragile deal to end their war

Joe Biden makes a last push to bring peace to the Middle East