GABORONE, Nov. 28 (Xinhua) -- Corruption is the most universally known impediment to socio-economic development of Africa, Botswana's President Mokgweetsi Masisi said Wednesday.

Officially opening the ongoing seventh edition of the African Union (AU) high level dialogue on democracy, human rights and governance in Gaborone, Botswana's capital city, Masisi said political instability is impeding the much-needed economic progress on the African continent.

"Corruption is the most universally known impediment to socio-economic development," said Masisi during the event that brought together pioneers and stalwarts of democracy, human rights and governance under one roof.

He said it is common knowledge that most of the conflicts in Africa remain etched in the competition for resources and access to state power to accumulate personal wealth illegally.

In addition, Masisi said the lack of due regard for basic human rights of their respective citizens by many African governments also continues to ferment tensions resulting in the perpetuation of such conflicts.

"The situation breeds corruption and political instability which impede the much-needed economic progress on the continent," he said at the event held under the theme: Winning the fight against corruption: A sustainable path to Africa's transformation.

The 30th Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the AU that was held in Jan. 2018 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia declared 2018 as the Africa Anti-Corruption Year.

It remains the biggest threat to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as adopted by members of the United Nations (UN) in 2015.

Speaking at the same event, Nonofo Molefhi, Botswana's minister of presidential affairs, governance and public administration, said there is need for more platforms to ensure that the message about corruption and its consequences are well understood.

"Africa must speak with one voice on the fight against the scourge of corruption," said Molefhi. Enditem

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