Government Watchdogs, Doing It Right (Sometimes)

Watchdog media group ProPublica recognizes four US government reports featuring solid investigative work. Winners range from the Inspector General of the Department of Interior to the Los Angeles City Controller. But at the federal level… well, it’s slim pickings. Notably, ProPublica’s “jury chose to award no Prize in the category of Federal Investigation/Independent Agency.” In…

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Nigeria’s Loans Go Unmonitored

The Niger Delta Budget Monitoring Group (NDEBUMOG) has raised concerns over a proposed government loan agreement between Nigeria and São Tomé and Príncipe. Nigerian president Umaru Musa Yar’Adua has suggested a US$10 million loan be granted to São Tomé and Príncipe “to assist the government [to] address some socio-economic difficulties in the country.” NDEBUMOG worries…

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Cha-Ching! In South Africa, Zuma’s Cabinet Stocked with Potential Conflicts of Interest

South African President Jacob Zuma is putting the final touches on his cabinet selections, under the watchful eye of The Mail and Guardian, South Africa’s leading newspaper. Sifting through records of each minister’s declared interests, the M & G has put together a comprehensive list of the financial holdings and corporate positions of each minister.…

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