By Abdulrahman Kamara
An internal anti-corruption investigation by the UN Office of Internal Oversight Services (OIOS) has raised serious allegations against the International Trade Centre (ITC) and World Bank-linked operations in Sierra Leone.
The findings have uncovered systemic corruption in ITC’s Sierra Leone Country Office, particularly within its West Africa Competitiveness Programme (WACOMP).
A leaked report from February outlined widespread malpractice that undermined the ITC’s credibility in the region. The report alleged that corrupt practices were deeply entrenched, jeopardizing the program’s objectives and tarnishing the organization’s reputation. It was further alleged that the key cartel facilitator of World Bank is one Henry Kamara.
The revelations reportedly reached ITC staff in Freetown, including Yared Befecadu and Shiaka Kawa, who allegedly tipped off colleagues involved in the corrupt activities. This warning allowed individuals across various Sierra Leonean government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to conceal evidence of wrongdoing.
The fallout escalated, leading to incidents of violence and intimidation.
Two U.S. consultants, who had reportedly exposed elements of the corruption, were threatened by ITC employees and forced to flee Sierra Leone. In one instance, a consultant’s family home in Kenema was targeted in an arson attack, endangering children inside. Local fire services confirmed the use of a flammable substance to ignite the property.
Leaked UN documents revealed further incriminating details, including demands for a $25,000 bribe from a contracted corporation that refused to pay. Audio recordings of ITC and World Bank staff soliciting bribes have also surfaced, casting doubt on the integrity of these organizations’ operations in Sierra Leone.
Critics have accused the UN of mishandling the crisis, alleging that it prioritized securing donor funding over addressing corruption. Programs such as WACOMP reportedly fabricated success stories to maintain funding from sources like the European Commission’s EuropeAid and USAID. An evaluation of WACOMP by Karsten Weitzenegger has been criticized for perpetuating this narrative.
The investigation further implicated ITC and World Bank offices in Sierra Leone as being staffed by individuals with histories of state-level corruption. These employees allegedly operated a network to divert program funds for personal gain, laundering the money under the guise of legitimate expenditures in projects like WACOMP, SCADeP, and TFWA.
This case underscores the urgent need for systemic reform and accountability within international organizations to curb corruption and ensure that aid reaches those who need it most. The allegations raise broader concerns about the oversight and transparency of global development programs.
Efforts made to get the response of both ITC and World Bank proven futile but we hope to get their response soon.
More details in our subsequent publications.
