But in Somalia and across much of Africa, the story is turned upside down — the thief becomes a hero, the corrupt are crowned as "political lions.”

A new illustration circulating online captures this painful truth:

On one side, a European politician stands behind prison bars. On the other, an African leader waves to cheering crowds, smiling with a bag of money in hand. Behind them, the European flag symbolizes accountability, while the Somali flag shines over celebration — a stark reflection of two different worlds.

The contrast is not artistic imagination. It is our daily reality.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy served years in prison for corruption. But had he done the same in Mogadishu, he would not have been jailed — he would have been cheered, protected, and promoted.

Across Somalia, the corrupt are embraced.

Officials who misuse donor funds or accept foreign bribes to buy political influence are seen as "clever,” not criminal.

Meanwhile, ordinary citizens struggle with poverty, unemployment, and collapsing public services.

"In Europe, corruption leads to prison.

In Somalia, corruption leads to promotion.”

This moral decay is eating away at Somalia’s future.

The message that corruption is power — that stealing is success — destroys trust and justice.

It creates a culture where honesty becomes weakness and greed becomes glory.

If African leaders truly want respect on the global stage, they must learn what Europe already practices — no one is above the law.

Image Caption:

A satirical illustration comparing accountability: In Europe, corrupt politicians are jailed; in Somalia, they are celebrated.