FEACC offers TOT to leaders of school ethics clubs

 ADDIS ABABA(FEACC)-The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) offered a two-day Training Of Trainers (TOT) to leaders of school ethics clubs drawn from the nine regional states and two  city administrations (Addis Ababa and Dire Dawa) beginning 24 November 2008. 

The training was aimed at identifying ways and means of strengthening the clubs in terms of membership and funding. 

During the training, the participants also discussed concepts of corruption, importance of ethics and anti-corruption education and roles of the clubs. 

Similar trainings will be provided to leaders of newly established ethics clubs, according to the organizers.

Associations urged to promote work ethics, fight corruption 

The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) urged professional and civic associations to play a colossal role in nation building efforts by fighting corruption, promoting work ethics and good governance in the country. 

Commissioner of the FEACC, Ali Sulaiman, said professional associations and civil societies are expected to contribute their share in the fight against corruption and efforts to create a society that does not condone corruption by promoting work ethics and anti-corruption education. 

He was speaking here at the Addis Ababa Hilton  at the opening of  a day-long discussion forum organized by the FEACC  with a view to facilitating the establishment of  a joint forum with professional  associations thereby fight the scourge in a more synchronized way. 

Commissioner Ali said the incumbent government has been exerting utmost efforts to fight and control this social malaise and consequently reduce its negative impact on the overall socio-economic development efforts of the country. 

“It would be a futile exercise and effort to design various development strategies and policies without first fighting and controlling corruption as it blemishes the creative mind of citizens and hence has a long-lasting negative impact on the scio-economic and political progress of the country,” he added. 

The Commissioner thus emphasized the need to join hands to give momentum to the anti-corruption drive.

FEACC arrests eight individuals for alleged involvement in telecom scam 

The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission of Ethiopia has apprehended eight individuals, including a foreigner,  for allegedly providing telecom services using devices that are banned from entering the country. 

The suspects, who were put under control during a hunt conducted from 19-21 November 2008, allegedly made international calls without the recognition and permission of the Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation (ETC).In so doing, the suspects amassed considerable sum in foreign and local currencies that could have otherwise collected by ETC. 

According to the Investigation Department of the FEACC, four of the suspects are the major actors in the unscrupulous act while the remaining four are in one way or another linked with the crime. 

The fact that one of the suspects is a foreigner indicates the scale of the crime and the danger it poses to the national security. It is recalled that the FEAC C had earlier arrested a South Korean in connection with similar telecom scam. 

The suspects, who appeared in court on 21 November 2008, used to provide the services in nine areas here in the capital using internet and computer training centers as well as various offices as cover-up. 

Investigations are underway to arrest other suspects who had a hand in the crime. 

The FEACC would like to urge the general public to cooperate with it in hunting down other suspects implicated in the crime and refrain from using such illegal service as it causes significant losses on the government and even worse endangers the national security.

Commission offers TOT for professionals of higher learning institutions

Addis Ababa (FEACC)- Oct 21/2008

A five day Training of Trainers (TOT) organized by the Federal Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) for professionals drawn from 21 universities across the country was offered beginning October 20/2008.

The TOT was focused on the concepts of ethics & corruption, corruption prevention strategies, legislations on corruption crime as well as corruption offenses widely observed in the education sector.

Opening the TOT, FEACC Deputy Commissioner, Addisu Mengistu said that higher learning institutions, besides their responsibility of creating professional citizens, are centers that shape public's perception towards corruption & ethical values. 

The government has set aside a considerable sum of money for the expansion of higher learning institution in the country, the Deputy Commissioner said & underlined that it is important to follow up & ensure the appropriate allocation of the budget. 

The FEACC, in Collaboration with the Ministry of Education, is making efforts for the expansion of ethics education by establishing ethics liaison units at higher learning institution. He said and indicated the commission's readiness to scale up such an effort in the future.

Professionals drawn from government universities across the country attended the TOT.

Court gives offender one year behind bars for soliciting kick-back

 Addis Ababa-(FEACC)-October 21-2008 

The First Criminal Bench of the Federal high Court gave one year prison term for an individual caught red handed while receiving bribe. 

The charge filed by the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) indicated that the convict, Haile’ab Ketema was charged for asking a 600 Birr kick-back while he was assigned as a supervisor engineer of the expansion work at Birhan Guzo primary school, which is under the kebelle 09/10 of the Yeka Sub-city of the Addis Ababa city administration. 

The convict solicited the stated sum of money from Yasin Kube, manager of Shalom wood and metal workshop, which earlier signed a contract agreement to supply and install doors, windows, veranda grill for the expansion work, the charge says. 

Despite approval of the payment request by concerned officials of the Sub-city and his own confirmation that the work was done up to the standard, the convict inquired the kick-back from manager of the workshop. 

Consequently, the convict was seized red-handed while receiving 600 Birr from Yasin Kube in October 2006. 

As he was unable to defend himself against the charge, the Court recently gave the offender one year behind bars.

Court gives prison terms, cash fine to corruptors

 Addis Ababa- FEACC-October 21, 2008 

The First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court gave five years of rigorous imprisonment for two individuals each as they were found guilty of corruption offenses of various forms. 

The charge filed by the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) says that Tesfaye Dires Gennaw, who was a mechanic at the power maintenance section of the Ethiopian Telecommunications Corporation (ETC), ripped-off some 74 barrels of engine oil from September 2001 to November 2003. 

The convict committed the fraud by preparing 18 fake request documents and putting phony signatures on the documents to deceive workers and officials of ETC’s storehouse, the charge reads.  

Meanwhile, an individual who goes by the name Teshome Alemayehu Gurbachew was charged by the FEACC for allegedly preparing fake tax payer files, forms and receipts for 61 individuals while he was working as documentation and data encoding expert at kebelle 07 of the Kolfe Keraniyo Sub-City in Addis Ababa. 

According to the charge, the convict prepared 61 counterfeit tax payer files by deleting names and file numbers of original tax payers from May 2005 to January 2006. 

He was also charged with severe fraud and corruption offense for collecting 4257.70 Birr using the false documents and preparing fake land holding documents for several individuals. 

After looking in to the cases, the court recently gave five years of rigorous imprisonment plus 2,000 Birr fine to Tesfaye Dires Gennaw and five years of rigorous imprisonment to Teshome Alemayehu  Gurbachew.

Corruptors get prison term, cash fine 

Addis Ababa- FEACC- Oct29, 2008- The Dire Dawa Bench of the Federal High Court sentenced Deputy Sergeant  Mohammed Hussien and other four individuals to six years of rigorous imprisonment and 3,000 Birr fine each for committing corruption offense while they were on duty. 

Four former members of the Dire Dawa Police Commission, Deputy Sergeant Mohammed Hussien, Deputy Sergeant Mekbib Teshome, Constable Mathios Teferra, Constable Mekonnen Tesfaye and Kiros Gessese, who was employee of the Dire Dawa Customs Office, were all convicted of violating the 1997 E.C criminal code by grabbing money while they were on duty, according to the charge filed by the FEACC. 

The five defendants grabbed 164,000 Birr that belonged to Awale Lamre, an individual victim and who was on board on a vehicle heading from Bekae town to Dire Dawa on August 25, 1998 E.C. 

The convicts took the stated sum of money after stopping and rummage-around the vehicle in the pretext of searching for contraband goods, the charge reads. 

After looking in to the evidences produced by the prosecutor, the court passed the decision against the defendants on October 23, 2008.

Overview of a research conducted by the World bank on corruption in Ethiopian construction sector 

As part of an ongoing diagnostic study in several sectors in Ethiopia, the World Bank, in close consultation with the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) had commissioned a study on corruption in Ethiopia in the construction sector. 

Phase one of the study report which was set within the context of international experiences and released in June 2008 briefly illustrates the findings on the nature and extent of corruption within Ethiopia’s construction sector. 

The following is an overview/summary of key points raised in the report with the purpose of giving a snapshot of corruption in the sector based on findings of the study. 

As a preliminary finding the report highlights that, despite the marked differences in perception between international and domestic stakeholders towards corruption, levels of corruption in Ethiopia are significantly lower both in frequency and scale, and some forms of corruption are rare. 

International Perspective 

Worldwide, public works/construction is consistently considered to be one of the three most corrupt of all sectors, alongside defence and the extractive industries. Globally, it is estimated that corruption accounts for at lease 10 % of turnover of turnover in the construction sector, or well over 1 billion USD per day. 

Spurred on by ease with which it can be hidden and by the pressure of globalization, corruption persists in the construction sector. 

-Direct and indirect warning signs to corruption in the sector 

Poor quality construction, inflated costs, delays in implementation and neglected maintenance are raised as direct warning signs of corruption in the sector, while unequal relationships between parties to the contract, poor enforcement of professional standards, high multiplier between public and private sector salaries as well as discretionary powers and barriers to entry to the market were considered as indirect warning signs to corruption in the sector. 

General findings 

-          The report says that there are clear signs of high risk factors, particularly related to capacity constraints and recommends that it is likely that levels of corruption will increase markedly in the coming years a s Ethiopia continues to invest heavily in infrastructure provision if appropriate preventive and/or corrective actions are taken. 

-         Corruption does exist at the operational level, but tends to be the exception rather than the rule. Unlike in other developing countries, there appear to be littlie expectation that government official take a percentage of a contract value. Such payments are made, they tend to be small, and in the form of” thank you”. Because of the strong focus on due process being followed, bid evaluations can be influenced, but not determined by corruption. 

Specific findings 

 Based on survey questionnaires and interviews, the report listed the following points as specific findings of the study. 

-         The highest risks lie in prequalification and short listing, and to lesser extent in bid evaluation, handover and settlement of invoices.

-          Bid evaluations may be influenced by corruption, but can not generally be determined by it. In most cases, particularly at the federal level, well- defined procedures are adhered to.

-         The sums reported as being paid as “ thank you “ after award to contract, or as a bribe in order to influence bid evaluation, are small by international standards, possibly under 2 % of contract value.

-          Agents and intermediaries tend to be viewed with suspicion, as people charging a fee to provide access to those with influence.

-         Though corruption in the normal operational sense appears to be low by international standards, the existence of significant market distortions also needs to be taken into account. 

Study findings suggest that the following risk factors exist in the construction sector in Ethiopia. These risk factors could be taken as early warning indicators that corruption may have occurred. 

These include:

-         Poor quality construction

-         High costs

-         Time delays

-         Poor maintenance 

Moreover, the study highlighted unequal contractual relationships, unfair registration procedures, high salary multiplier and perceived barriers to market entry, unreasonable contract conditions and weak enforcement of professional standards as factors that constitute clear motives for corrupt practices to occur. 

The report suggests that in identifying the areas of risk, it can be helpful to focus on “gaps” that highlight real or potential problems that are likely to occur. 

In the case of Ethiopia’s construction sector gaps between plans and the capacity to implement them, between contract awards and the capacity of specific companies, between the power of parties to a contract, between theoretical and applied regulations as well as gaps in access to land, materials, finance or equipment are the gaps that should be focused on. 

Moreover, the report dubbed the above mentioned gaps as issues that constitute clear warning signs of the risk of poor performance with associated corruption. 

International Comparison 

Based on the findings, the report says that outright corruption at the operation level appears to be less prevalent in Ethiopia than in most developing countries, though barriers to market entry appeared to be pronounced. 

Unlike in many other countries, however, actions that characterize operational level corruption do not appear endemic in Ethiopia. Particularly in the context of Federal contracts, where relatively strong controls are in place, this type of corruption is generally viewed as being the exception rather than the rule.

Conclusions and recommendations 

Highlighting that a great deal remains to be done in achieving an improved understanding of corruption in Ethiopia’s construction sector; the report forwards the following points as conclusions and recommendations. 

Conclusions 

Despite the widely differing perspectives on the issue of corruption in Ethiopia’s corruption sector reflected on the preliminary feedback received from a limited range of stakeholders,, the overall picture appears to be one of: 

- Relatively low levels of corruption at the operational level;

- High risk factors, particularly in terms of capacity constraints;

-  Perceived high level distortions in the market; and

- A shared interest by most stakeholders in reducing both he perception and the reality of corruption. 

Recommendations 

It is proposed that all corruption-related issues should be set within an overall framework of Accountability, Capacity and Trust. In this way, it will be easier to maintain an overview of study progress, adjust priorities as appropriate, and ensure eventual relevance when eventually moving on to the stage of policy dialogue.

FEACC presses charges against S. Korean,9 accomplices over telecom fraud

Addis Ababa- FEACC- Oct 03, 2008-The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) on October 02, 2008 filed charges against a South Korean citizen who is in custody for allegedly involving in a telecom scam. 

The charge filed by the FEACC states that the South Korean who entered to Ethiopia using tourist visa was rendering international telephone call service using telecom gadgets illegally imported from abroad. 

The Ethiopian Information Network Security Agency (EINSA) has confirmed that using the telecom gadget, which the convict utilized to make connections with a server installed in South Korea, is unlawful. 

The charge also counted four former employees of the Ethiopian Telecommunication Corporation (ETC) who sold 21 blocked and unused SIM cards to the South Korean and assisted him to secure license for the provision of Broadband Internet Service, which is not allowed for foreign citizens. 

Moreover, five individuals who have been illicitly providing international telephone call service using the ID and pass word they obtained from the South Korean have also been charged. 

The telecom fraud committed by the South Korean and his accomplices from October 2007 to August 2008 cost the ETC over 4,527,845 Birr, according to the charge. 

After looking in to the charges, the First Criminal Bench of the Federal High Court rejected the bail request of the convicts and adjourned the case until October 14, 2008.              

FEACC, Transparency Ethiopia hold panel discussion 

Addis Ababa- FEACC- September 26,2008- " Corruption and  the Private Sector", a panel discussion  co-organized by the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) and Transparency Ethiopia (TE) a civil society organization  engaged in fighting corruption was held here at the Ghion hotel on September ,2005.

The half day panel discussion was organized based on the agreement the FEACC and TE reached earlier to hold successive forums that aimed at raising public's awareness towards ongoing anti-corruption moves. 

Opening the panel discussion, Deputy Commissioner of the FEACC, Addisu Mengistu underlined that the forum is of paramount importance to highlight that combating corruption should be a primary issue in materializing the ongoing peace, development, democratization and good governance efforts. 

Some private organizations in a society with high prevalence of corruption often got involved in corrupt practices to enjoy illegal benefits, the Deputy Commissioner said and added that such a move makes the majority of the private sector ineffective in their business conducts. 

Four research papers were presented and discussed on the course of the panel discussion that attracted about 70 participants from various government and private institutions. 

Presenters of the research papers gave briefings on the concept of corruption crime emphasizing on the causes and measures that should be taken to prevent corrupt practices that are frequently witnessed in the private sector.

Ombudsman of Rwanda expresses readiness to work with FEACC 

Addis Ababa (FEACC) - The Ombudsman of Rwanda expressed readiness to work in partnership and collaboration with the Federal Ethics and Anti-corruption Commission of Ethiopia (FEACC) in the areas of human rights protection and corruption prevention.  

During the discussion he held with the Commissioner of the FEACC on 22 September 2007, Chief of the Ombudsman of Rwanda, Mr. Toti Rutaremara, commended the efforts being exerted in Ethiopia to eradicate corruption and underscored the need to lay down experience sharing programmes in a sustainable manner. 

He also attached significant premium on such programmes in preventing corruption and protecting human rights in the two sisterly countries. 

Commissioner Ali Sulaiman on his part stressed the necessity to intensify the national anti-corruption struggle in a bid to make sure that it wouldn't hinder the on-going development and democratization processes in the Country.

Ethics liaison units hold annual experience sharing seminar

FEACC - Addis Ababa Sept. 23/2008 - Ethics liaison units set up at public enterprises held their annual experience sharing seminar on September 22/2008 at the Ghion Hotel. 

Opening the seminar, Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC), Addisu Mengistu said that the seminar was organized to facilitate ways through which the ethics liaison units share experiences & come up with solution to challenges they encountered while undertaking their works.

The FEACC has so far helped establishment of ethics liaison units at about 267 government offices and public enterprises, the Deputy Commissioner underlined.

Owing to the efforts the FEACC made & the ever improving awareness of officials at public enterprises on the issue of preventing corruption & expanding ethics education, the ethics liaison units are discharging their activities effectively, he added.

Moreover, Addisu said, the ethics liaison units have become vital instruments of the nation wide anti-corruption struggle by considerably supporting the FEACC while the latter carries out investigation on corrupt practices & conducts working procedure studies.

A report on the overall activities of the ethics liaison units was presented & discussed on the course of the seminar.

Briefing was also given on the regulation the council of ministers adopted to provide for the functioning of ethics liaison units.

Ethics liaison units selected for their exemplary performance shared their experience to participants of the day long seminar.

FEACC said scoring encouraging results in preventing, controlling corruption 

FEACC-Addis Ababa- Sept 19, 2008- Commissioner of the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC), Ali Suleiman said that the commission has registered several encouraging results in the areas of preventing and controlling corruption over the past seven years. 

In his recent interview with the “Ethiopia Today” a bimonthly magazine published by the Ministry of Information, Commissioner Ali said that the FEACC has made due efforts to raise public’s awareness on the issue of corruption and has managed to reach millions of people through various communication channels. 

The Commission has examined the practice and working procedures of about 50 government offices and public enterprises and has put forward corrective measures. It has also followed up the implementation of the recommendations, the Commissioner added. 

The Commission has set up a department that is entrusted with the task of coordinating activities of major stakeholders in the fight against corruption through out the country, he said. 

So far, the Commission passed decisions on over 11,000 tip-offs and complaints lodged by the public.

Furthermore, the Commissioner said the FEACC has prosecuted more than 800 alleged corruptors, out of which 200 were sentenced to 3-19 years of imprisonment. The Commission’s conviction rate has now reached 80 to 85 percent on average. 

Commissioner Ali cited the illegal land grabbing, the gold scam at the National Bank of Ethiopia and the shady telecom bid as areas against which the commission launched successful crackdown, recently. 

On the other hand, he said, FEACC has already begun reaping the fruits of its Business Process Re- Engineering (BPR) studies whose implementation begun last year. 

Following the implementation of the BPR, key processes in the Commission are undertaking their activities efficiently and effectively, he added. 

Overall, it is possible to say that the Commission has succeeded in making the fight against corruption a public agenda, the Commissioner underlined.    

FEACC investigates 34 corruption-prone offices, implements finding

Monday, 15 September 2008

Addis Ababa, September 15 (WIC) - The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) announced that it has studied the working systems of 34 government offices and public enterprises that are prone to corruption and malpractices.

FEACC Corruption Prevention Director Aklilu Mulugeta told WIC the investigation is carried out on government offices and public enterprises to foster transparency and accountability and thereby prevent corruption and malpractices.

 He said the study is carried out on 9 offices under the Addis Ababa city administration, 13 Federal government offices, 7 public enterprises and several other service providing institutions.

The Commission carried out the study on the offices and enterprises because the services they provide are directly linked to the general public, the Director indicated.

 According to the Director, the study was focused on procurement, property administration, finance, licensing and control, land and construction, sales, personnel management and other related sectors.

Follow up activities are well underway regarding the implementation of the findings of the study on the working systems. The study will help government offices, public enterprises and service providing institutions avoid corruption and malpractices as well as raising awareness, he added.

  (Source: WIC)

FEACC offering training to ethics officers

FEACC- Addis Ababa- September 02, 2008- Hundred ethics officers drawn from various government offices and public enterprises are attending a six-day training organized by the FAECC beginning September 01, 2008. 

The training that primarily focuses on corruption prevention strategies and working procedure study is the first round of similar trainings scheduled to be offered during the current budget year. 

Participants of the training are expected to deliberate on the proclamation establishing the FEACC and the new directive on ethics liaison units, Abebe Zewdie, Ethics Infrastructures Coordination Department team leader with the FAECC said. 

Enabling participants of the training identify working system loopholes that favor corruption and malpractice in their respective offices as well as building capacity of ethics liaison units are the foremost objectives of the training, the team leader added

Federal, regional anti corruption commissions hold 5^th  regular conference

FEACC-Addis Ababa- August 26, 2008- The Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) and regional anti-corruption commissions held their 5^th regular conference from August 18 to 19, 2008 in Axum town, Tigray State. 

FEACC Deputy Commissioner, Addisu Mengistu, speaking at the conference, said that fighting corruption should be taken as duty and responsibility of all concerned bodies. 

The Deputy Commissioner urged federal and regional institutions engaged in fighting corruption and other concerned bodies to scale up efforts with a view to ensuring sustainability of ongoing good governance and development endeavors. 

All regional governments, minus the Afar State, were represented by their respective anti corruption commissions, while the Somali State was represented at the conference by the region’s police and prosecutor office. 

The two day conference heard six months performance report of members of the joint forum and evaluated execution of decisions passed during preceding meetings, Ethics Education and Public Relations Department Director Berhanu Assefa said. 

Participants of the conference have underlined that outstanding results have been scored in the efforts made so far towards creating close collaboration among anti corruption commissions at regional and federal levels. 

The Director also mentioned that participants of the conference have agreed that performance reports and decisions passed by the joint forum would be published annually and distributed to regional governments and other pertinent bodies. 

Discussions were also held on a study conducted to spot loopholes in the anti-corruption laws that are challenging the anti corruption struggle waged nationwide. 

The conference has stressed on the need for sealing such loopholes by amending the anti corruption proclamations or through employing other options. The FEACC has been assigned to take responsibility and work on the matter, Berhanu said. 

Enhancing existing relation among federal and regional anti corruption commissions is among the major objectives of the joint forum that meets twice a year. 

The conference chose Oromia to host the 6^th federal, regional anti corruption commissions’ regular conference scheduled to be held after six months.

FEACC organizes ToT for metropolitan civil servants 

FEACC-Addis Ababa- August 20-2008- Training of Trainers (ToT) organized  by the Federal Ethics  and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) for civil servants drawn from 10 sub cities of the Addis Ababa city administration has been underway at the FEACC conference hall. 

The training that started on Monday August 17, 2008 was organized with the purpose of equipping the civil servants with the necessary knowledge on anti corruption strategies, it was indicated. 

Some 50 civil servants, five from each sub city of the metropolis, are in attendance at the first round of the ToT that would last until Friday Aug 22, 2008, Ethics Education Team Leader with the FEACC, Kebede Sima said. 

Additional 50 civil servants drawn from the 10 sub cities would attend similar training beginning August 25, 2008, he added. 

Participants of the training are expected to train members of their respective offices in the future.

FEACC employees discuss 2000 E.C performance report, 2001 E.C plan

FEACC - Addis Ababa - August 08/2008

Employees of the  Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) on August 07/2008 discussed the commission's performance report during the past Ethiopian budget year & the plan it set for the current Ethiopian budget year.

The performance report of the commission by the year 2000 E.C indicated that over 85% of most of the plans set for the budget year have been attained. Execution of some plans has also exceeded that of the initial target, the report shows.

The report highlighted that notable result has been scored in the implementation of the Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) study, which had been incorporated in the plan as a key element towards bringing about transformation with in the FEACC.

Moreover, the performance report listed the results various departments & units of the commission obtained in accomplishing their respective plans during the budget year.

Limited number of competent professionals in the job market, shortage of logistics, such as vehicles were among the challenges faced in undertaking last budget year's plan, it was mentioned.

Meanwhile, effective implementation of the BPR as well as creation of strong relationships with various stakeholders  were mentioned  as the major success stories witnessed in the last budget year, the report says.

FEACC Commissioner Ali Sulaiman on the occasion said that the Commission has carried out effective activities in involving the public in the anti-corruption battle.

Public trust on the FEACC has steadily been growing over time, Ail said and called on employees of the commission to make all efforts towards achieving even better results during the current budget year.

FEACC Deputy Commissioner, Addisu Mengistu also said that the laudable result the FEACC scored during the past budget year was the out come of commitment of officials & employees of the Commission. 

Yet, a lot is expected from officials & employees of the FEACC in a  bid to realize institutional transformation & building credibility & image of the FEACC in the future, Addisu underlined.

On the same day, plan of the FEACC for 2001 E.C. budget year was tabled. 

FEACC, UNISA hold discussions

FEACC, Addis Ababa - August 5/2008

Deputy Commissioner of the Federal Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) Addisu Mengistu met & held discussions with a delegation from the University of South Africa (UNISA) on August 4/2008 at the FEACC headquarter. 

The discussion was focused on ways through which UNISA could offer trainings to employees of the commission.

Addisu on the occasion underlined that the coming to Ethiopia of UNISA was of paramount importance in building capacity of Ethiopian professionals in various sectors.

The Deputy Commissioner also expressed belief that the FEACC would closely work with UNISA in the future.

Further discussions would be held in a bid to identify ways through which UNISA would provide trainings to FEACC staff, according to the Deputy Commissioner.

Present at the discussion, Chappie Bogopa, Human Resource & Operation Director with UNISA, said that the university, in addition to the existing ones, would tailor need-based training packages that suit the needs of the commission.

UNISA is providing training for Ethiopians as part of the contribution it is expected to make towards facilitating Africa's development in various sectors, the Director said & added that the university has finalized preparations to provide various short & long term trainings in Ethiopia.

Marketing & Communications Manager with UNISA, Cristal Peterson also said that UNISA, which she said has an extensive experience particularly in the field of Business Management, has the capacity to provide basic trainings in Ethiopia.

FEACC employees take part in “3 seedlings for 3000'' program

FEACC - Addis Ababa - August 04, 2008

Employees of the FEACC on August 02, 2008 transplanted tree seedlings under the ''3 seedlings for 3000'' program organized by the Addis Ababa Millennium office.

Speaking at the tree seedling transplantation held around Intoto area, FEACC Deputy Commissioner, Addisu Mengistu said that in addition to its prime responsibility of preventing corruption, the FEACC has actively been involved in ongoing socio-economic activities in the country.

The Deputy Commissioner further expressed FEACC's readiness to take part in similar activities in the future.

Also on the occasion, Project Information & Communication Department Head with the Addis Ababa Millennium Office, Bruck Gebremedhin appreciated the effort the FEACC demonstrated in the program, which is underway as part of the Ethiopian Millennium celebration.

The head on the occasion called on employees of the FEACC to take part in the cleaning campaign scheduled to be carried out by the Addis Ababa Millennium Office from August 6 to September 5, 2008.

Employees of the FEACC transplanted some 600 indigenous tree seedlings on the day.

Corrupt revenue collector jailed 

FEACC - Addis Ababa - August 4/2000 

The Dire Dawa town High Court gave six years of rigorous imprisonment to an individual convicted of corruption offense. 

The charge leveled by the FEACC against Mersha Bogale Asfaw, former revenue collector at the Dire Dawa town revenue authority, stated that the culprit committed the corruption act by preparing fake documents. 

According to the charge, the convict illicitly consumed over 41,760 Birr by deleting & mismatching the amount of money on different copies of cash collection slips. 

The individual committed the offense during tax & tarrif collection held during 1999 E.C, the charge says. 

The court passed the ruling last week.

11 federal government institutions establish joined-up forum 

FEACC- Addis Ababa- July 31, 2008-The FEACC and other 10 federal government institutions that are engaged particularly in activities of ensuring the rule of law and also frequently communicate towards achieving their mission have established a joined-up forum on July30, 2008.

  The joined-up forum, which is the first of its kind in Ethiopia, is believed to facilitate ways through which the federal institutions could shore up their efforts and carry out their respective activities in a more coordinated manner. 

Opening the founding conference that discussed  and adopted the draft statute of the forum, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HPR) Ambassador Teshome Toga said that such forums are of paramount importance in enabling member institutions become more effective as part of the overall democratization process. 

In his presentation on the significance of establishing the joined-up forum, Dr. Zewdeneh Beyene, a private consultant, highlighted that though it is a recent approach establishing such forums is proved to be effective in supporting efficient conduct of public sector business. 

After holding discussions and adding few recommendations, founding members of the forum collectively adopted the draft statute, which had earlier been distributed among them. 

The legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee of the HPR permanently chairs the forum, while seat of the secretary goes round members of the forum for one year term, according to the statute. 

The Federal Institution of the Ombudsman has been elected to serve as secretary of the forum for the coming one year. 

On the same session, the forum set up a steering committee that comprises five of the founding members and is responsible to identify activities due to be carried out by members of the forum in the future. 

The forum has also passed decision that a committee composed of all members of the forum would be set up to study and come up with ideas on possible challenges the forum might face in undertaking its activities. 

Legal and Administrative Affairs Standing Committee with the HPR, Ethiopian Human Rights Commission, Federal Institution of the Ombudsman, FEACC, Federal Police, Supreme Court, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Capacity Building, Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Federal Civil Service Agency and Federal Auditor General are the federal institutions that signed up to the forum.

FEACC briefs  factory employees on ethics liaison units directive 

FEACC- Addis Ababa:- July 29,2008-The Federal Ethics & Anti-Corruption Commission (FEACC) gave clarifications to employees of the Metehara Sugar  Factory on the content of the directive the Council of Ministers adopted on the activities of ethics liaison units established at public offices and  enterprises. 

Legal Services Head with FEACC, Girma Worku, during an event organized to celebrate factory’s annual ethics day on July 26,2008, briefed  employees of the factory on the  nature of the directive that focuses on the tripartite relation among employees, ethics liaison units and management of public offices and  enterprises. 

Participants of the celebration held discussions & exchanged views  on the  content of the directive.     

Also on the occasion, performance report of the factory’s ethics liaison unit over the past Ethiopian budget year was presented & discussed by the participants. 

The report indicated that the ethics liaison unit has carried out wide ranging activities aimed at expanding ethical conduct and helped establishment of 19 ethics clubs that embrace some 217 employees of the factory as their members. 

The liaison unit has also designed and put in place a directive that would guide the operation and activities of the ethics clubs in the years to come, the report underlines.  

Besides, the liaison unit, during the stated period, has facilitated forums and offered relevant training for over 360 officials & members of the ethics clubs, the report added. 

 FEACC arrests seven suspects of corruption crime 

FEACC-Addis Ababa- July 25, 2008- The Federal Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission (FEACC) arrested seven of the eight individuals suspected of taking part in a corruption offense committed at the Education Materials Manufacturing and Distribution Enterprise. The corruption offense involved over 980,000 Birr. 

The eight suspects have committed the corruption by allowing purchase of various inputs out of the tender regulation that requires procurement of materials estimated over 30,000 Birr should be held through open tender. 

It was confirmed that various inputs including hardboard , plywood, tyres, computers and printers worth over 980,000 Birr were purchased through direct procurement and limited-tender at different times. 

A variety of below-the-standard materials valued over 78,000 Birr have also been procured out of the necessary quality specification. 

The corruption offense incurred a financial loss, estimated at over 980,000 Birr plus an unidentified damage on the government. 

Seven of the eight suspects, including enterprise’s General Manager, former finance head, quality control expert as well as members of the procurement committee that put their hands in the corruption were arrested on July 22, 2008. 

The remaining suspect is still at large.

Four suspects in custody for consultancy tender scam

 FEACC-Addis Ababa- July 25,2008-The FEACC arrested four suspects for allegedly involving in a corruption committed at the Ministry of Federal Affairs that  resulted in the cancellation of over 1.39 million Birr grant provided by the World Bank for the execution of disaster preparedness and contingency plan in 23 pastoralist woredas. 

The FEACC on July 23, 2008 arrested the four suspects who were assigned at different positions of the Pastoralist Community Development Project Unit that was responsible for the execution of the disaster preparedness and contingency plan with the financial support of the WB. 

The suspects committed the swindle in the process of hiring a consultant firm for the project. 

The FEACC investigated the matter based on a letter the WB sent to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in November 2007 stating that the procurement of consultant firms was carried out in violation of the guideline set by the WB on selection and employment of consultants. 

Short listing consultants with out advertising for an expression of interest and awarding of three contracts on a direct-contract basis were also mentioned as violations committed by the officials in the process. 

As a result, the WB announced the cancellation of a 938,119 Birr fund from the grant agreement and requested reimbursement of 454,031.95 Birr which has been disbursed earlier for the procurement of the consultancy service. 

Four individuals including project’s policy and research, purchasing and finance officers have been apprehended and were brought before the court by the Commission.

Corrupt Police Sergeant gets prison term 

FEACC-Addis Ababa- July21-2008- The First Criminal bench of the Federal High Court sentenced Sergeant Worku Getahun, former member of the Nefes Silk-Lafto sub city Police Department in Addis Ababa to serve one year imprisonment, for corruption offense. 

According to the charge filed by the Federal Ethics and Anti Corruption Commission against the defendant, an individual called Yohannes Kahsai was traveling from Merkato to Mekanisa on number 2 Anbessa city bus in Addis Ababa. While on board, the individual learnt that he was pick pocketed 900 Birr.  

Soon after, the victim, together with other passengers took a suspect named Solomon Getachew to the nearby Nefas-Silk-lafto sub city police department. 

Up on their arrival at the police station a police investigator who was on duty ordered the convict, Sergeant Worku Getahun to take and ransack the suspect at an isolated place. 

Eventually, Sergeant Worku reported that he found nothing and denied to have got the stated sum of money, which the victim claimed to have been stolen by the suspect, the charge reads. 

Accordingly, the defendant was charged of taking and veiling the money he found while ransacking the suspect. 

As was unable to refute the charge, the court on July 11, 2008 gave the convict one year imprisonment.   

Lawbreaker gets three years behind bars 

FEACC-Addis Ababa- July 14, 2008-The Amhara Regional State Supreme Court sentenced an individual convicted of committing corrupt practices by misusing his power   to three years’ rigorous imprisonment. 

The convict, Birelew Belay was charged for misusing his power with the intention of getting illicit gains while he was working as a contract employee at the Dangila Branch of the Agriculture Inputs Supply Enterprise, from February, 2000 to January 2004. 

The charge pressed against the convict says that the convict abused public property and twisted documents with the intention of obtaining illicit benefits amounting over 1,000 Birr during the stated period. 

As he was proved to commit the corruption offenses, the court on July 02, 2008 gave the Birelew Belay three years of rigorous imprisonment.

Corruptor gets prison term, cash fine for khat export scam 

FEACC-Addis Ababa- July18, 2008-The Dire Dawa City Administration High Court recently gave an individual, who was senior inspection officer at the Dire Dawa Airport customs office, six years of rigorous imprisonment and 8,000 Birr fine for corruption offense. 

The charge filed by the FEACC against the culprit, who goes by the name Moges Mulugeta Welede Semayat, states that the culprit was responsible to verify the volume of Khat  that is exported via the Dire Dawa Airport  with the volume allowed on the declaration slip and to make sure that Khat is not exported without letter of credit (LC). 

Putting aside his responsibilities, the charge says, the culprit facilitated export of 267,750 kilograms of khat from 2001 to 2002 to the Somaliland. He committed the fraud by reusing declaration slips and bank permission numbers that had already been used. 

The government, due to the corrupt offense, lost one million and 71,000 USD that it could have obtain had the stated volume of khat been exported legally, the charge reads. 

As he was unable to defend himself against the charges, the court gave the convict six years of rigorous imprisonment and 8,000 Birr fine.

 Commission plans to fight corruption in construction sector 

ADDIS ABABA(FEACC)- Commissioner of the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission said that the  Commission has planned to combat corruption in the construction sector. 

While holding discussion with Mr. Neill Stansbury, Director of  Global Infrastructure  Anti-Corruption Center(GIACC) on 9 July 2008, Commissioner Ali  Sulaiman said the Commission  was making preparation to tackle corruption in the construction sector as the sector was vulnerable to corruption. 

The construction sector, which mobilizes huge resources to construct social facilities that are indispensable to the public, needs to perform in a transparent and accountable manner,  the Commissioner noted.  

 The Commission would monitor construction activities during and after the construction phase and bring suspects before the law if it believed that corruption was committed, he said. 

 Global Infrastructure  Anti-Corruption Center would  conduct a study in the construction sector here in Ethiopia to assess the level of transparency and accountability, it was learned. 

During the discussion, the Commission has expressed its desire to work with the Center. 

The two sides also agreed in principle to build the capacity of the Commission's staff   in an effort to tackle corruption in the construction industry.

Based in England, GIACC is an independent not-for-profit organization which provides resources and services for the purpose of preventing corruption in the infrastructure, construction and engineering sectors, according to its website.  

Court sends corruptors to jail 

FEACC- Addis Ababa- July 10,2008- The First Criminal bench of the Federal  High Court sentenced Tesfa Saketa Keno, former head of general service at the Ethiopian Export Trade Promotion Agency and Iyassu Tesfa Gebrehiwot, his accomplice, to two years and one and half years rigorous imprisonment, respectively, for corruption offenses. 

According to the charge filed by the FEACC, the first convict Tesfa Saketa Keno abused his power for illicit personal gains while he was working as secretary of a tender committee set up at the enterprise for the procurement of books and magazines in 2001. 

The convict misused his power and produced fake documents with the intention of favoring Image International Private Limited Company, one of the competitors of the tender that submitted 230,308.19 Birr, which was higher than that of the price given by the other competitor, Ashock Malik General Importer, by 79,265 Birr. 

The charge also indicated that the convict denied Ashock Malik General Importer access to a letter the tender committee had prepared to get further explanation from the two competitors on 100 percent advance payment request by the latter. 

The convict had intentionally concealed a letter the tender committee had prepared to Ashock Malik General Importer, the charge says. 

The convict received 5,000 Birr bribe from the second convict, Iyassu Tesfa Gebrehiwot for favoring Image International Private Limited Company to appear as a sole competitor and won the tender. 

A financial loss amounting 79,265 Birr has been incurred on the government due to the corruption offense committed by the two culprits, it added. 

As they failed to refute the charge, the court on July 7, 2008 sentenced Tesfa Saketa Keno and Iyassu Tesfa Gebrehiwot to two years and one and half years of rigorous imprisonment, respectively.

Corruptors sent behind bars  

FEACC--Addis Ababa- July 11, 2008-The Yaka Sub city bench of the Federal First Instant Court sentenced four convicts found engaged in corrupt practices involving over 347,478 Birr to prison term ranging from 11 months to six years. 

The charge pressed by the FEACC indicated that the first convict, Teshome Brehane, who was working as security guard at the Ethiopian Select Seed Enterprise, collaborated with his accomplices to get illicit personal benefits through misusing his power. 

The convict collaborated and allowed the other convicts to break into a warehouse and garage of the Enterprise situated around Kazanchis area and take various auto spare parts worth over 347, 478 Birr. 

Accordingly, the FEACC accused the convict of corruption offenses and misusing public office for illicit personal gains. 

As they failed to disprove the charge, the court on July 7, 2008 sentenced the first convict Teshome Brehane to six years of rigorous imprisonment plus1000 Birr and the second convict, who goes by the name Kibruyisfa Teklie, to 11 months prison term. 

Meanwhile, as they were found guilty of collaborating with the first and second convicts, the court gave Tewfiq Oulena and Yousuf Hamdella, the third and fourth convicts in the same file, to four years of rigorous imprisonment each.

FEACC, Civic Organizations establish joint consultation forum 

FEACC, Addis Ababa July 8, 2008- A joint consultation forum of the FEACC and civic organizations and associations that incorporated the agenda of fighting corru