Nelson: The strongest sanction and weapon against corruption is the ballot box

Blog of the American Ambassador Eric Nelson

Unbridled corruption simultaneously prevents citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina from moving forward and drags them down. It is the main culprit for the highest rate of departure of the educated population in Europe, the slowest economic recovery in the Western Balkans, and a low standard of living for all citizens, regardless of their ethnic or religious affiliation. Corruption is not just a problem that every country must deal with domestically, but President Biden has also declared it a threat to U.S. national security – corruption undermines democracy, human rights, security, and prosperity. The U.S. is ready to provide assistance to BiH in the fight against corruption through aid programs, advocating for necessary reforms, and concrete activities. We support numerous citizens, journalists, and activists who are ready to fight this scourge. However, judicial data on indictments and convictions in this area indicate that high-level corruption is not punished.

The visit of Samantha Power, USAID Administrator, was an opportunity to once again highlight our assistance to citizens in the fight against corruption. She met with courageous journalists engaged in investigative journalism who uncover officials abusing their official positions. She also met with brave young women fighting to protect Bosnia and Herzegovina's rivers from damage caused by inadequately regulated construction. The U.S. supports NGOs that promote what these women do, protect them from harassment, and advocate for transparency. USAID also supports those ready to implement e-government to promote transparency and prevent corruption in issuing permits and providing services.

There are too many officials in BiH in the sphere of the rule of law who work under political pressure or control. Many are afraid to oppose the corrupt system. They are capable but lack the will to fight for change, as challenging such a system exposes them to unacceptable personal risk. Too many citizens of BiH are more than aware of the problem that corruption represents, but they are torn between taking a stand, on the one hand, and worrying about their own families, on the other, in a cumbersome system of patronage where bribes and forced voting are necessary for many of them to secure a quality job or even access standard services.

There are some bright examples among public officials. Since I took office as ambassador, our support for the Anti-Corruption Office in Sarajevo Canton, headed by Dr. Erduan Kafedžić, has been expanded. The Sarajevo Canton Police Administration, headed by Nusret Selimović, is a successful partner in the investigations of this Office. However, the Cantonal Prosecutor's Office of Sarajevo Canton does not follow them by filing credible indictments. Kafedžić and Selimović, as well as others, can testify to the pressure, threats, and obstruction faced by both individuals and institutions fighting corruption. This is a good indicator that this Office is working correctly and making progress in the fight against corrupt officials.

These individuals show that politically independent institutions can play a key role in eradicating corruption in BiH. My government will continue to support their work as corrupt elites oppose these efforts. Journalists continue to expose those who abuse their positions, NGOs assist the work of these journalists and advocate for transparency. Through numerous programs, USAID supports these efforts, and during the pandemic, we also saw concrete results – corruption schemes in public procurement and illegal construction were uncovered and stopped.  

To defend citizens, the U.S. advocates for reforms necessary to weaken the control held by private and political elites. The U.S. also strongly supports the EU's priority of adopting effective laws in the areas of conflict of interest and public procurement. Amendments to the Law on the HJPC are needed to restore the integrity and independent status of this body that sets the rules and oversees the judiciary, and measures in the area of electoral process integrity will also need to be adopted. These reforms are obstructed by political parties and officials who fear strict laws that will expose their illicit wealth and subject their activities to strict oversight. 

The U.S. government remains ready to take action against corruption, including financial sanctions and visa revocations for corrupt individuals, as well as the suspension of aid to corrupt partners in power. We provide advisory assistance and develop capacities in BiH for the investigation and prosecution of high-level corruption, engage in cases that we can prosecute ourselves, and call on our allies in Europe to follow the trail of illegally acquired financial gains and follow our example. Sanctions are an important tool in blocking corrupt actors, deterring those with similar intentions, and supporting them, and as Secretary of State Blinken stated on January 5: "We will continue to use appropriate authorities to promote accountability for such actors throughout the region and globally."  

However, the U.S. can only do so much. Ultimately, the citizens of BiH must decide what future they want. The strongest sanction and weapon against corruption is the ballot box. Citizens should also believe that they have the right to vote freely and that their vote is heard. That is why the U.S. calls on political leaders to implement long-overdue reforms to restore integrity to BiH's elections. The October 2022 elections will be an opportunity for citizens to punish, not prolong, corruption. The international community can play a key role by supporting BiH's progress and assisting it in the fight against corruption, but true change for the better must come from within.