Judicial Corruption in Africa: Senegal and Madagascar in Comparative Perspective

This article aims to examine the factors that led Senegal and Madagascar, two African countries with similar levels of judicial corruption at a specific historical moment, into different trajectories regarding this social phenomenon. Using a comparative case study methodology, the article analyzes how Senegal reduced cases of judicial corruption while Madagascar saw an increase. The study finds that Senegal developed institutional stability, which allowed for the consolidation of its democratic regime. Additionally, Senegal implemented an independent public policy to combat corruption with the participation of international organizations. In contrast, in Madagascar, attempts at reform were quickly co-opted by political actors. Consequently, only in Senegal were judicial proceedings held to prosecute corruption cases, which facilitated beneficial changes within the judiciary. The article contributes original insights into the dynamics of judicial corruption in different political contexts and underscores the value of stable institutions.