Archbishop says corruption endemic in some African countries

Published: 2008-02-11

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (CNS) -- Corruption is endemic in some African countries, where "the lifestyle of those in positions of responsibility is characterized by unbridled greed," said Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, president of the Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference. "In some African countries, 50 years after the declaration of independence from colonial rule, there is economic stagnation and lack of political reform," Archbishop Tlhagale said, noting that "leaders fight fiercely for political power." In South Africa, "criminals hold the rule of law in contempt and spread terror among ordinary law-abiding citizens," while there is political violence in Chad, Kenya and Sudan and "thousands flee economic hardships in Zimbabwe," he said at a Feb. 10 Mass in Regina Mundi Church. The Mass was attended by delegates of an international conference hosted by the German Catholic relief agency Misereor.

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