CAN DEBT BE USED TO COMBAT POLITICAL CORRUPTION IN AFRICA

Whilst political corruption is undoubtedly a global phenomenon its con sequences for the states of Tropical Africa are held to be dire, alleg edly leading in some cases to state collapse. This article assesses th ose policies which aim to curtail corruption by linking greater transp arency in government to debt forgiveness. An example of this initiativ e, which has been supported by President Yowerri Museveni of Uganda, i s evaluated in terms of feasibility and appropriateness. The article c oncludes that although fraught with immense practical and political di fficulties, such initiatives could provide a starting point for dealin g with the problem.