Middle East & Africa | Pretty words for petty corruption

How to ask for a bribe without asking for a bribe

In southern Africa try invoking thirst; in west Africa, religion

https://www.flickr.com/photos/worldbank/9365029959
Image: Philip Schuler/The World Bank
|ABUJA

“Corruption is our biggest enemy and is not welcome here.” So goes the slogan of Malawi’s most recent anti-graft campaign. Similar messages can be found in public places in many other African countries. In some, such as South Africa and Kenya, citizens are encouraged to call hotlines to report kickbacks.

This article appeared in the Middle East & Africa section of the print edition under the headline “Synonyms for sweeteners”

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