On 24 February 2024, Col. Alpha Yaya Sangaré published a book titled, Mali: The Challenge of Terrorism in Africa. The book denounced human rights abuses by the Malian armed forces in their fight against armed Islamist groups. Sources said that on 2 March 2024, unidentified men abducted Col. Sangaré from his home in Bamako, Mali’s capital, and drove off with him. Whistleblowers play a crucial role in exposing misconduct within governments and corporations but often face hostility across Africa. Hence, the high personal cost of exposing wrongdoing has created a culture of silence and fear. To reverse the culture of silence and fear, governments must enact and enforce strong whistleblower protection laws, the media must responsibly amplify whistleblowers' voices, and civil society organizations (CSOs) should advocate for reforms while supporting whistleblowers.

Corruption thrives in a culture of silence and fear, especially when whistleblowers face retaliation after they have exposed wrongdoings. In Kenya, whistleblowers have played pivotal roles in uncovering financial malfeasance, only to find themselves vilified and unsupported. Consider the case of John Githongo, whose revelations about the Anglo Leasing scandal involving the government forced him into exile. For whistleblowers, the risks are immense, including potential loss of livelihood, damaged reputations, and, in extreme cases, threats to lives.

Governments across Africa must prioritize the enactment and...

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