Administrative corruption in Afghanistan
Administrative corruption is one of the basic and widespread problems in Afghanistan, which has had a profound negative impact on the economic, social and political development of the country. This problem is rooted in Afghanistan for various reasons, including weak governance, lack of transparency, insufficient oversight, and strong influence networks in the administrative structure.
The main factors of administrative corruption in Afghanistan:
- Weakness of government institutions: lack of strong structures and effective supervision increases opportunities for corruption.
- Lack of transparency: Information about budgets, contracts, and important decisions are not fully disclosed.
- Bribery and nepotism: In order to obtain services or job positions, people are often forced to pay bribes or use personal relationships.
- Weak monitoring: monitoring and auditing organizations do not have sufficient independence and efficiency.
- War and insecurity: Years of war and insecurity have provided opportunities for misuse of public resources.
Consequences of corruption:
• Weakening the economy: instead of investing in infrastructure projects, government resources go into the pockets of corrupt people.
• Decrease in public trust: People lose their trust in the government and government institutions.
• Increase in poverty: Corruption prevents the implementation of development projects and the provision of effective public services.
• Intensification of immigration: Many people leave the country due to the lack of clear and suitable opportunities.
Solutions to deal with corruption:
- Strengthening regulatory and judicial institutions by creating independence and transparency.
- Implementation of technology to monitor administrative and financial activities.
- Increasing public awareness about citizenship rights and corruption.
- Strengthening anti-corruption laws and their strict implementation.
- Seeking international cooperation to trace stolen assets.
Administrative corruption in the Taliban government
Administrative corruption in the Taliban government, although this group claimed to fight corruption before coming to power, is still one of the serious challenges that has affected the government structure of this group. Despite the reduction of some forms of corruption compared to the past, reports show that new forms of corruption have emerged in the Taliban government structure.
Manifestations of administrative corruption in the Taliban government:
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Abuse of public resources:
The Taliban collect heavy taxes from people and businessmen to fund their government, but the lack of transparency in the management of these resources has provided the basis for abuse. -
Nepotism and influence:
In the Taliban’s administrative structure, many officials are appointed based on family and clan connections, not on merit or ability. -
Illegal tax collection:
There are reports of the Taliban demanding additional taxes or bribes from citizens and businessmen. This procedure is especially common in customs and checkpoints. -
Lack of transparency in contracts:
Implementation of infrastructure projects and government contracts is often done without competition or adequate oversight, leading to a waste of public resources. -
Drug trafficking:
Although the Taliban claim to have banned the production and trade of drugs, some reports indicate that people affiliated with the group are still involved in drug trafficking and sales.
Reasons for the continuation of administrative corruption:
- Absence of a transparent monitoring system:
The Taliban government structure lacks independent and powerful monitoring mechanisms to reduce corruption. - Lack of transparency in financial management:
The Taliban do not provide a transparent report of the government’s revenues and expenses, which creates the basis for abuse. - Absence of an active civil society:
Suppression of the media and civil institutions has reduced the monitoring role of these sectors on the Taliban government. - Unprofessional administrative structure:
Many people appointed to government offices lack the necessary experience or expertise, which leads to inefficient and corrupt administration.