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Periodical article Periodical article Leiden University catalogue Leiden University catalogue WorldCat catalogue WorldCat
Title:The Dichotomy of Politics and Corruption in a Neopatrimonial State: Evidence from Sierra Leone, 1968-1993
Author:Smith, Gerald H.
Year:1997
Periodical:Issue
Volume:25
Issue:1
Pages:58-62
Language:English
Geographic term:Sierra Leone
Subjects:corruption
political systems
Politics and Government
External link:https://www.jstor.org/stable/1166251
Abstract:The analysis of political corruption in Sierra Leone has important implications for an understanding of the relationship between neopatrimonialism and State corruption. Administrative corruption was commonplace during the All People's Congress (APC) tenure. The longevity of APC rule - 24 years - provided ample opportunity for the establishment of an institutional apparatus condoning acts of State corruption. The APC radically transformed State corruption from a simple chaotic activity to a well-organized system. Personal gain from politics and public office was a centrepiece of APC ideology. Access to State wealth was a common way to ensure loyalty and shore up alliances. Privileged politicians and members of the inner APC sanctum depended on the State as both a provider and a customer of their own enterprises. Although the political climate changed with the resignation of Siaka Stevens in 1985 in favour of his successor, Joseph Saidu Momoh, the practice of personalizing State wealth continued and intensified. The confluence of ethnic politics and the politics of patronage meant that towards the end of APC rule there was a dual layer of patron-client networks, one linked to Stevens, the other to Momoh. Ref.
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