SAI Independence Rapid Advocacy Mechanism (SIRAM)
Why Was SIRAM Developed?
Supreme audit institutions provide a check on governments’ use of public resources through regular audits of government budgets, revenues and expenditures. They are a key component of any government’s accountability system. The independence of the SAI from the executive bodies it audits is fundamental to its role in holding governments to account and building trust between the organs of the state and society.
Yet evidence shows that SAI independence is continuously challenged by executive interference, democratic backsliding, , and decline in the rule of law. . These threats can also manifest in a variety of ways such as through amendments to a country’s constitution or audit legislation, challenges to SAI mandates, inadequate follow up of SAI reports, sharp cuts in SAI budgets, and attempts to remove the Head(s) of the SAI or delay the appointment of a new Head.
The Supreme Audit Institution Rapid Advocacy Mechanism (SIRAM) has been developed to assist SAIs in addressing these immediate threats to their independence. . It is a response mechanism designed to identify and mitigate breaches of SAI independence. It builds on INTOSAI global expertise and provide to SAIs and interested stakeholders an avenue to raise concerns regarding the independence of SAIs. it uses IDI’s targeted expertise and assessment tools to mobilize global advocacy efforts and address ongoing threats.
To understand more about SIRAM, watch our introductory video here:
What is SIRAM?
A Four-Stage Process to Addressing Immediate Threats to SAI Independence
When a threat to the independence of a Supreme Audit Institution (SAI) is reported, the SIRAM process ensures a thorough, responsive, and effective course of action. This process unfolds in four stages—Inform, Assess, Respond, and Follow-Up—each designed to safeguard SAI independence and uphold global accountability standards.
Inform: Gathering the Facts
The process begins with information gathering to establish the legitimacy and severity of the threat.
- IDI conducts a preliminary review to evaluate the reported or identified breach against the eight pillars of SAI independence as outlined in the Mexico Declaration (INTOSAI P-10).
- IDI delivers an initial conclusion to determine whether the threat is genuine and requires further action.
- If the breach is validated, IDI contacts the affected SAI (if not already engaged) to confirm its willingness to receive advocacy support.
Assess: Developing a Strategy
Once the initial review confirms a valid threat, the case moves to the assessment phase:
- A tailored response strategy is developed considering the unique legal, political, and institutional context.
- The assessment prioritises alignment with INTOSAI’s Lima and Mexico Declaration principles, which emphasise SAI independence as a cornerstone of effective governance.
Respond: Mobilising Advocacy
In the response phase, the SIRAM tool mobilizes advocacy and action through targeted interventions, such as:
- Public statements and analysis to relevant authorities, highlighting breaches and advocating for corrective measures.
- Stakeholder missions involving in-country engagement with government officials, CSOs, and media.
- Support legislative reforms: Drafting provisions or amendments to reinforce SAI independence in national legislation.
Follow-Up: Safeguarding and Enhancing Independence
The final stage ensures that advocacy efforts have a lasting impact:
- IDI and its partners remain actively engaged with the SAI to monitor progress and maintain independence.
- Follow-up can include long-term partnerships with development partners and stakeholders to address vulnerabilities and prevent future threats.
How to report a threat?
Threats can be reported by any interested stakeholder, including an SAI, an INTOSAI Body, Development Partners, Civil Society Organization, however, the formal request to open a SIRAM case can only emanate from the Head of the SAI whose independence is challenged.
SIRAM Fact Sheet
Spotlight on SIRAM cases over the years
Montenegro:
September 2023
READ REPORT
Poland:
May 2023
READ REPORT
Sierra Leone:
NOVEMBER 2021
READ REPORT
Colombia:
November 2021
READ REPORT
Myanmar:
March 2021
READ REPORT
Cyprus:
February 2021
READ REPORT
Ghana:
July 2020
READ REPORT
Somalia:
November 2019
READ REPORT
North Macedonia:
November 2019
READ REPORT
Chad:
October 2018
READ REPORT
Testimonials
Stand for SAI Independence, Report a Threat
Are you aware of a threat to SAI independence? Act now.
Contact the IDI SIRAM team to ensure accountability remains at the heart of governance. Together, we can safeguard the independence of our institutions.