Faith Nyasuguta
The Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) has named ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad as the “Corrupt Person of the Year 2024,” citing his devastating impact on Syria. Kenyan President William Ruto and Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ranked second and third, respectively, in the current list.
OCCRP awarded Assad the top spot for turning Syria into a narco-state, financing his authoritarian regime through organized crime, including the production and trafficking of Captagon, a highly addictive drug. “The political, economic, and social damage caused by Assad, both in Syria and the region, will take decades to overcome,” said Alia Ibrahim, one of the judges.
The organization highlighted Assad’s broader influence, noting, “His regime didn’t just oppress Syrians; it spread violence, drugs, and corruption across the region. From mass graves to chemical weapons, his rule left a devastating legacy of destruction.”
Kenyan President William Ruto was overwhelmingly voted into second place, with more than 40,000 participants nominating him for the title. OCCRP remarked, “While Ruto didn’t ‘win’ person of the year, the extraordinary public outpouring highlights global demands for justice and accountability.”
Ruto’s administration has faced sharp criticism for corruption, youth unemployment, and policies that have exacerbated economic instability. His controversial finance bill triggered widespread protests, which OCCRP noted were marred by “violence, arrests, and disappearances.” The group added, “The extraordinary outpouring and demands for accountability were remarkable.”
Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ranked third on the list. He has faced long-standing allegations of drug trafficking, forgery, and financial malpractice. Since taking office, Tinubu’s administration has been plagued by protests and accusations of implementing “anti-people” policies.
Earlier this year, both Ruto and Tinubu were criticized for extravagant air travel costs amid harsh economic conditions in their countries. OCCRP stated, “The judges acknowledged the importance of public interest and outrage at corruption. However, since the award is given to the person who has done the most to wreak havoc through organized crime and corruption, Assad ultimately stood out as the clear winner.”
This year, OCCRP also introduced a new category, the “Lifetime Non-Achievement Award,” which was given to President Teodoro Obiang of Equatorial Guinea, one of the world’s longest-serving leaders. “Since 1979, Obiang has used fear, forced disappearances, and torture to silence dissent,” said the organization.
Despite Equatorial Guinea’s vast oil and gas wealth, OCCRP noted that “much of its wealth has been plundered by Obiang and the ruling elite, who live lavish lifestyles while the majority of the population suffers in poverty.”
The annual awards highlight the pressing need for global accountability, with OCCRP emphasizing that corruption not only devastates nations but also undermines public trust in leadership.
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