This thesis examines the pervasive impact of corruption on the effectiveness and integrity of humanitarian action, focusing on the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo from 2018 to 2020. Triggered by a 2020 operational review by the United Nations’ anti-fraud taskforce, agencies and aid groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo that uncovered a large-scale fraud scheme in the Ebola response, this study reveals severe corruption affecting various facets of the humanitarian intervention, including staff recruitment, supply procurement, and aid delivery. The findings highlight how aid intended for vulnerable populations was diverted through fraudulent schemes, bribery, kickbacks, and widespread exploitation involving multiple stakeholders, ultimately undermining the trust and efficacy of the response. Drawing on principal-agent theory, this research delves into how moral hazard, information asymmetry, and inadequate monitoring facilitated corrupt practices within the complex and conflict-ridden context of the DRC. It underscores the need for enhanced transparency and accountability mechanisms to prevent corruption and ensure aid reaches those most in need. The thesis employs qualitative methods, including in-depth document analysis of academic articles, government reports, NGO publications, and news sources. By addressing the intersection of corruption and humanitarian action, this study contributes to the scientific understanding of corruption's detrimental effects on humanitarian efforts. It proposes strategies to improve transparency and accountability in humanitarian interventions, aiming to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of aid in challenging environments like the DRC.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:UPSALLA1/oai:DiVA.org:uu-533423 |
| Date | January 2024 |
| Creators | Kunda, Claudine |
| Publisher | Uppsala universitet, Teologiska institutionen |
| Source Sets | DiVA Archive at Upsalla University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Student thesis, info:eu-repo/semantics/bachelorThesis, text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Rights | info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess |
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