6.1 Supporting civilian initiatives

Limiting opportunities for corruption usually requires a combination of preventive and reactive means; among these, reform and building the capacity of the judiciary can be crucial to any anti-corruption outcome. Armed forces are unlikely to be in the lead, but they can support civilian initiatives. They could, for example, contribute to the overall understanding and analysis, especially if the judiciary needs to address corruption in host nation security and defence forces. At a tactical level, the military could be well placed to help provide security for personnel and for facilities.

Examples

Case Study: Afghanistan: Corruption and the making of warlords

Anti-Corruption Justice Centre in Afghanistan

In 2014-2015, the military Resolute Support mission in Afghanistan supported the creation of the Anti-Corruption Justice Centre (ACJC). The ACJC aimed to bring together and insulate a group of competent Afghan police officers and prosecutors prepared to tackle high-level corruption offences, including those in defence and security forces. The military contributed expertise and familiarity with the Afghan environment and its challenges, as well as advice on security and the design of a secure courthouse and other facilities. As of 2018, the ACJC has prosecuted and sentenced two high-ranking generals for fraud and corruption.

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