Abstract

This Note compares the social and legal developments of two African countries: one that has improved its anti-corruption efforts, and one that has not. Angola has seen a tougher stance against large-scale corruption since its regime change in 2017, whereas Liberia continues to struggle with small-scale corruption despite regime changes. Yet this Note finds that both countries fail to hold individuals accountable, even though Angola has its eyes on corporate malfeasants and Liberia’s open society continues to shed light on corruption. Liberians perceive more corruption than Angolans because they have more lived experience with corruption, while their country’s democratic principles promise them more. Liberia thus lags behind its own aspirations as much as it lags behind other countries. Angola has set an example by changing its tone at the top and working with other countries in recovering billions in assets from abroad, but it must turn those symbolic victories into sustained reform if it wants to lift its people out of poverty and become a true leader.

Keywords: Africa, anti-corruption, Angola, Liberia, regime change, social and legal development