Somalia is perceived as the world's most corrupt nation for the fourth year in a row (data was unavailable for 2006). Lacking an effective central government since 1991, the country highlights how conflict and factionalism breeds corruption. The Monitor's bureau chief in Africa explains the Horn of Africa's persistent struggle:
The annual Corruption Perceptions Index highlights a truism among experts in development: Conflict creates the kinds of shortages and desperation that breed corruption, making ordinary citizens prey to government officials, shopkeepers, and rebel warlords. Corruption even works its way into the very institutions set up to alleviate suffering among non-combatants, such as peacekeepers and aid workers.
... For Somalia, where half of the population is dependent on foreign food aid shipments, corruption is arguably a form of mass murder. According to preliminary report by a United Nations monitoring group in Somalia, up to half of all food aid meant for hungry people is siphoned by the warlords who control territory where most of the country’s displaced people live.
