Prime Minister issues directives in the field of combating and preventing corruption

INA- Baghdad 

“Maintaining the Government's commitment to combat and prevent corruption, which undermines governmental institutions and the quality of public services to citizens, Prime Minister Mohammed S. Al-Sudani has issued directives to strengthen government internal audit institutions” according to a statement by the PM Media Office, received by the Iraqi News Agency – INA.

The statement added “These directives aim to ensure their coordination with the Federal Board of Supreme Audit, the Federal Commission of Integrity, and law enforcement agencies”. 

1. Enhance and broaden the internal audit mechanisms by upgrading the administrative stature of audit and internal control units across all government entities. Assign them clear, impactful responsibilities to oversee all aspects of financial expenditure, implement proactive control strategies, prevent the mismanagement or loss of public funds, and protect these assets. Their mandate should also include detecting corruption, holding perpetrators accountable, pursuing legal recourse, and offering legal safeguards for personnel in this sector, thereby encouraging them to fulfill their duties with efficiency, effectiveness, and consistency.
 
2. Distribute the internal control manual developed by the Federal Board of Supreme Audit to all governmental bodies to provide them with control guidelines for their administrative units. This will aid in attaining their objectives and mandates, and aid in the prevention of corruption.
 
3. Draft legislation for the Federal Internal Audit Authority, aligning with Article 108 of the 2005 Constitution of the Republic of Iraq. This bill aims to fortify internal oversight across all government institutions and standardize the protocols for prior, concurrent, and subsequent preventive oversight. It will elevate accountability, integrity, and transparency, safeguarding public finances and all governmental bodies.