Sudan among the world’s best in financial transparency: official

June 17, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan enjoys a solid record in terms of financial transparency, a senior official said this week.

The Sudanese state minister at the cabinet Kamal Abdel-Latif was quoted by local media as saying that Sudan is one of the best countries globally in the area of governmental financial transparency.

Abdel-Latif addressing a local transparency conference organized by different ministries, said the record is a result of a strong legislative and overseeing bodies including the general inspector and national assembly.

The Sudanese official said that government agencies are acting in a professional manner and submitting an annual report to the parliament and released to the public subsequently.

The 2008 corruption Perception Index created by Transparency International organization ranked Sudan as one of the most corrupt in the world, but Abdel-Latif dismissed the report.

The general public views corruption as a widespread issue in Sudan though officials deny that.

The general inspector office frequently complains that many governmental departments and companies refuse to cooperate with his office.

Furthermore most Sudanese officials have yet to submit financial disclosures on their personal net worth before and after assuming office.

(ST)