North Africa (Washington Insider Magazine) -The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2022 for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) reveals a decline to 38/100, reflecting deepening corruption, authoritarianism, and conflict. Despite leadership changes after the Arab Spring, power structures remain, fueling civil unrest and instability.
Key Findings:
- Top Scorers: UAE (67) and Qatar (58) rank highest but show signs of decline.
- Worst Performers: Libya (17), Yemen (16), and Syria (13) remain at the bottom due to conflict and corruption.
- Conflict & Corruption Link: Corrupt governance fuels grievances, violence, and economic crises across the region.
- Jordan’s Decline: Dropped to 47, with increasing government restrictions on civic space.
- Lebanon’s Crisis: Economic collapse, corruption, and government dysfunction deepen poverty and unrest.
- Tunisia’s Shift to Authoritarianism: dropped four points (40) as President Kais Saied consolidates power.
Corruption & Conflict: A Vicious Cycle
The lack of transparency in security budgets enables corruption, with funds often diverted by elites and armed groups. Even in stable Gulf countries, increasing repression and a lack of civic participation are causes for concern.
Urgent Need for Reform
To break the cycle of violence and corruption, MENA governments must prioritize transparency, accountability, and democratic governance. Without urgent reforms, the region risks further instability and economic hardship.
