AU Postpones Nairobi's Anti-Corruption Conference Amidst Protests Five Days Before Event

The KICC entrance and building in Nairobi County.
The KICC entrance and building in Nairobi County.
Photo
KICC

The African Union Advisory Board against Corruption has announced the postponement of the  8th African Anti-Corruption Dialogue that was set for KICC next week.

In a statement dated Thursday, July 7, the Board revealed that the event would be held on a date set to be announced in the future.

The two-day event was scheduled to begin next week on Tuesday, July 9. International dignitaries and representatives of the various governments across the continent were expected to attend.

The Board did not give the exact reasons why the conference was being cancelled, however, the move comes at a time when there are protests on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

An Anglican clergy and protesters at the gates of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on June 25, 2024.
An Anglican clergy and protesters at the gates of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi on June 25, 2024.
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All Saints Cathedral Nairobi

"We remain committed to rescheduling the events at a later date to provide a platform for stakeholder engagement on advancing regional efforts to combat corruption and promote good governance across the African continent.

"The African Union Advisory Board against Corruption will, in the coming days, communicate the new dates to convene the 8th African Anti-Corruption Dialogue," read the statement in part.

On the other hand, the Board also thanked the government for its commitment to organising the event.

"We express our gratitude to the Government of Kenya for their continued support and partnership in planning these significant gatherings," the Board added.

"A virtual event to commemorate the African Anti-Corruption Day will be held on July 11, 2024."

The main objective of the conference was to help countries within the AU take stock of the protection of whistleblowers and adopt strategies aimed at safeguarding whistleblowers.

Protests have been witnessed in Nairobi and major parts of the country in the last two weeks. The protest was occasioned by the Finance Bill 2024, which has since been withdrawn.

In the last weeks, foreign governments have also cautioned their residents against visiting the CBD on Tuesdays and Thursdays for safety concerns.

Visitors gathered at KICC during the Africa Climate Summit on September 6, 2023
Visitors gathered at KICC during the Africa Climate Summit on September 6, 2023
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