ANNUAL REPORT 2023

GIABA 2023 ANNUAL REPORT

 

 FOREWORD

 

I wish to extend warm greetings and profound appreciation to everyone for working with GIABA during the year 2023. The journey we embarked on together in 2023 brought us all closer, with reassuring outcomes which have solidified our bond under the common interest of protecting our national economies from clandestine crimes and contributing to the global fight against money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing. The year under review witnessed some attendant challenges, which in turn provided opportunities that propelled us to make remarkable progress. During the year 2023, the encountered setbacks strengthened our resolve and served as the springboard for the successes recorded for the year.  Therefore, the outcomes for the year are an attestation to our collective expression that our region will no longer tolerate any form of financial crime that undermines its economies.

 

GIABA implemented programmes primarily focused on the development of effective AML/CFT&PF regimes in our member States and redefining the shape of the precepts that served as the fulcrum for supporting the works of GIABA. In the course, we stepped up our collaboration with other regional institutions as well as development partners in providing support to our member States. Also, the year witnessed a remarkable improvement in the level of technical understanding by our member States of the FATF Standards, which is the barometer for measuring the efficiency and effectiveness of the many activities we implement for the region.

 

Following GIABA’s insistence and perseverance, a remarkable achievement in 2023 was an increase in the use of outcomes of typologies by member States to help them to understand the prevalent predicate crimes that have the proclivity for undermining the economic sectors and derailing development in their countries. As part of its effort to assist member States in building resilient AML/CFT systems, GIABA has over the period unveiled many trends and methods through typologies and researche works that facilitated the provision of reasonable technical assistance to member States. GIABA recognizes this as a continuing process, and therefore calls on stakeholders to remain committed and to develop strategies for addressing both the existing and the very dynamic emerging  ML/TF/PF risks.

 

In recounting the achievements of GIABA here in this 2023 Annual Report, it will be remiss of me if I do not highlight the splendid success of GIABA’s exit from the FATF Effectiveness Improvement Programme (EIP). This programme enabled GIABA to improve its operational efficiency and effectiveness as a FATF Styled Regional Body (FSRB) within the agreed timelines. As a direct result of the EIP, GIABA introduced new programme activities that fully address the challenges it faced, and more profoundly, increased its advocacy efforts designed to sustain the positive gains achieved. In consideration of the EIP, GIABA successfully completed the mutual evaluation of all 15 ECOWAS member States, and will, in 2024, conclude the mutual evaluation of the Comoros Islands with the adoption of the MER and undertake the onsite visit to the Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe, respectively.

 

In pursuance of its mandate and commitment to remain the regional leader in AML/CFT efforts, GIABA sustained and enjoyed an excellent relationship with the ECOWAS Community Institutions and all ECOWAS member States. The ever-warm reception from the ECOWAS Commission regarding the constant calls from GIABA is a testament of the commitment of the hierarchy of the Commission to succeed under the 4X4 Strategic Plan where good governance is paramount under the excellent leadership of Dr. Omar Alieu Touray. This is one giant step that allowed GIABA to attain the stellar performance in 2023. While maintaining existing relationships, GIABA hopes to undertake greater engagements with the ECOWAS Commission in the coming years.

 

The synergy among all the directorates of GIABA in the coordination and delivery of planned programming activities was a major driving factor that supported the uncommon successes recorded in the year. The excellent teamwork of the internal structures of GIABA is one of its core values that promotes excellence and actualisation of its mandate, and we are poised to sustain this work ethics for greater performance in the coming years.

 

I wish to express my appreciation to our dedicated staff, who were everywhere across the region to deliver the needed and impactful technical assistance to member States consisting of training activities, support on the FATF ICRG process and high-level advocacy to political leaders for strengthening their AML/CFT/PF regimes.

 

Closing the year, GIABA maintained the environment of diversity and fostered the development of every staff member. The atmospheres of cultural sensitivity and the accommodation of staff welfare and professional development were paramount. These actions serve as our affirmation that staff remain the foremost and indispensable resource to the GIABA secretariat.

 

Before I conclude, allow me to thank our regional citizens for the trust reposed in our works to provide the environment in which our economies are protected from unlawful activities, with the end attracting investment and economic development for the betterment of our citizens.

 

As a specialized ECOWAS Institution, GIABA will remain focused on its engagement with member States and together we will contribute to the global fight against transnational organized crimes. GIABA remains committed and has no intention to surrender any one economy in the region for the fostering of predicate crimes. We end the year with the assurance to our Community that GIABA stands prepared to serve its mandate where humanity can thrive and succeed.

 

For and on behalf of GIABA, I encourage you to continue your reading of this 2023 Annual Report, and look forward to engaging with you in 2024.

 

 

Edwin W. Harris,  Jr

Director-General, GIABA

ANNUAL REPORT 2022

GIABA ANNUAL REPORT 2022

Annual Report 2015

Like the previous Annual Reports, the 2015 Report summarizes the outcomes of the implementation of GIABA activities during the year. The year 2015 is a special year as it stands out as a turning point between the end of the 2011-2014 Strategic Plan and the launch of a new 2016-2020 Strategic Plan intended to carry the vision of the new leadership, aimed at raising GIABA to a reference AML/CFT institution, on one hand, and because it precedes the year that saw the effective commencement of the second round of Member States Mutual Evaluations, on the other.

The satisfactory 2015 outcomes will go down as a landmark, and have been made possible by support from all the stakeholders. In this regard, the Secretariat hereby extends its heartfelt appreciation and gratitude to all the stakeholders.

The Secretariat, under the resolute leadership of the Director General, commends the entire staff for their collective contribution to the implementation of the activities contained in this report, and urges them to demonstrate greater commitment and dedication to pooling energies and facing emerging challenges.

Finally, the Secretariat hereby acknowledges the High Authorities of ECOWAS for their relentless support to GIABA, and the President of the Commission, His Excellency Kadré Desiré OUEDRAOGO, whose decisive commitment has been expressive of his thorough understanding of AML/CFT issues. 

Annual Report 2010

As with the previous Annual Reports, this report is based on the various activities undertaken by the Inter- Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West

Africa (GIABA) in 2010. The year 2010 was a program transitional year, which served as a buffer between two Strategic Plans, 2007–2009 and 2011–2014. The implementation of the 2007–2009 Strategic Plan was evaluated by an independent evaluator, whose report has since been published on the GIABA website (www.giaba.org). Most of the activities carried out in 2010 were in line with the 2007–2009 Strategic Plan. In addi- tion, resources were devoted to formulate the new Strategic Plan for 2011–2014.

The 2010 Annual Report shows an overall program execution of about 96%. This success rate could not have been achieved without the commitment and contributions of GIABA member States and other committed stakeholders in the AML/CFT field. This fifth comprehensive Annual Report was prepared by the staff of GIABA as a team. The contributions and commitment of all the staff who worked diligently on this Report are hereby ack- nowledged and highly commended.

GIABA wishes to acknowledge the continued support of the ECOWAS Authority through increased political and financial support for the execution of its mandate. The ECOWAS Com- mission under the dynamic leadership of Ambassador James Victor Gbeho has demonstrated visible commitment to dealing with the problem of ML and TF and other related organized crimes in the region and has supported GIABA in no small way. All these have been sources of inspiration and encouragement for GIABA in the discharge of its responsibilities. GIABA would like to extend profound appreciation to all member States, in particular, members of our Ministerial Committee, the National Correspondents, and members of the respective Inter-Ministe- rial Committees – GIABAʼs “foot soldiers”, who are on the ground and who have supported the execution of AML/CFT

initiatives in their countries and even beyond. Their cooperation and support were highly valuable in the provision of technical assistance.

GIABA is part of the FATF family, and the FATF has been extra- ordinarily supportive of GIABA in numerous ways. GIABA re- mains grateful to the FATF and all its members, as well as other FSRBs, for their continued support. It is impossible to mention all those who provided direct and indirect assistance to GIABA during the year. Suffice it to mention just a few, including the UNODC, World Bank, IMF, Commonwealth Secretariat, Interpol and World Customs Organization. GIABA must also applaud the assistance delivered directly to member States by the organi- zations mentioned above, the French Government, the UK Go- vernment, and the US Government through their various agencies. There are many other contributors that could not be specified here but are assured of GIABAʼs deep appreciation.

GIABA also recognizes the strong support of self-regulatory profes- sional bodies, professional associations, civil society organizations, including the mass media, academia and NGOs, who showed keen interest and collaborated with GIABA in some of its activities. Going forward, we need to collectively enhance and deepen this collabo- ration in order to build a strong and sustainable foundation required for AML/CFT principles to take root in our region.

GIABA also wishes to acknowledge the support of various indi- viduals and groups who participated in our programs in 2010, in- cluding the studies conducted.

Finally, GIABA wishes to thank those who took the time to read this Report. This is a demonstration of your special interest in understanding what GIABA does and the challenges it faces in spearheading the combating of money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa. We call for your continued support and understanding as we take one step at a time towards creating an unbearable environment for criminals that seek to exploit our re- gion for personal gain. 

Annual Report 2009

For the most part, this report is based on the various activities undertaken by the Inter- Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in 2009. The report shows an overall program execution rate of about 94% at the end of the year concluding GIABA’s strategic Plan for 2007–2009. Other important accomplishments include the support to Member States to amend and strengthen their anti-money laundering legislation to conform to acceptable international standards and enact stand-alone legislation against the financing of terrorism; the ongoing establishment of the regional network of FIUs and the related AML/CFT Committees in many Member States; the production and distribution of materials for sensitization campaigns; and the consistent implementation of the mutual evaluation calendar and the adoption and publication of four additional Mutual Evaluation Reports. Many other issues were addressed and resolved, while new projects were launched. It has indeed been an engaging and challenging year in so many respects. However, this was complemented by additional human resource.

This fourth comprehensive Annual Report was prepared by the staff members of GIABA. Since it is a product of teamwork, all contributions are hereby acknowledged and commended.

This report was also made possible through the contributions of many of our stakeholders and partners. First and foremost, special thanks go to GIABA’s National Correspondents in the fifteen Member States, whose support and cooperation enabled the Secretariat to carry out all the planned programs and projects according to schedule. Their cooperation and assistance was highly instrumental in the provision of technical assistance to Member States. GIABA further acknowledges the continued support of the Member States and that of the ECOWAS Commission for the political will and for providing the required environment for the execution of GIABA’s programs.

Among the esteemed international partners and collaborators, it is important to mention the FATF, UNODC, the World Bank, the IMF, Commonwealth Secretariat, Interpol and World Customs Organisation, who were very supportive during the course of the year. GIABA particularly notes the assistance of the World Bank in the conduct of Burkina Faso mutual evaluation; as well as the assistance of the OGBS in the evaluation of Ghana. GIABA must also applaud the assistance received from the FATF Secretariat, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the French Government, DFID, the UK Financial Services Authority, the Belgian FIU and the US Government, who provided technical/expert support to GIABA programs during the year 2009. These and other significant contributions that could not be enumerated here are deeply appreciated and acknowledged.

GIABA also recognizes the strong support of civil society organizations, including the mass media, academia and NGOs, who showed keen interest and collaborated with GIABA in some of its activities. This is most encouraging to us in promoting the importance of AML/CFT awareness and preparedness in West Africa.

GIABA also acknowledges the support of various individuals and groups who participated in our programs in 2009, including studies on the risk of ML and FT in the region; on the nexus between ML and Corruption; on the informal Sector; on raising public awareness of ML and the impact of dirty money in the region.

Finally, GIABA wishes to acknowledge and to thank those who took the time to read this report. This is a demonstration of your special interest in understanding what GIABA represents and what it is striving to do towards combating money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa. We sincerely hope that you will continue to sustain this momentum. 

Annual Report 2008

For the most part, this report is essentially based on the various activities undertaken by the Inter-Governmental Action Group

against Money Laundering in West Africa in 2008. Among its numerous accomplishments in the year under review are the finalization and publication of the comprehensive Technical Assistance Needs Assessment (TANA) Compendium report on its 15 member States; the ongoing establishment of the regional network of FIUs and the related AML/CFT Committees in many member States; the publication of a second typologies report on ML through the real estate sector; the production of material for a vast sensitization campaign; the preparation and publication of a regional Compliance Manual for FIs; and the approval of five additional Mutual Evaluation reports, including the publication of a previously quarantined report. Other issues were addressed and resolved, while new project proposals were launched. It has indeed been an intensive and crucial year in so many respects.

It is impossible to acknowledge each and every contribution to this report. However, a few should be singled out and mentioned here. GIABA would like to acknowledge the particular contributions of Stella Attakpah, Juliet Ibekaku, Karim Okanla, Elpidio Freitas and Modibbo Usman for providing timely reports on programme activities that were carried out during the year 2008. Special thanks also go to Michel Amiot, our international consultant, who was instrumental in formulating and preparing this report, and in supporting and mentoring our staff in their various endeavors. Also acknowledged are the administrative and support services provided by Amélie Koné Blé, Amadou Lamine Sène and Alhaji Barry. Of course, GIABA would not have been able to function at all without the devoted commitment and the dedication of each one of our support staff, too numerous to mention individually here.

This report was also made possible through the contributions of many of our stakeholders and partners. First and foremost, special thanks go to our National Correspondents, whose support and cooperation enabled the Secretariat to carry out all the planned programmes and projects according to schedule. Their cooperation and assistance was highly instrumental in the provision of technical assistance to member States. GIABA further acknowledges the ongoing support of the member States themselves and of the ECOWAS Commission, who strived to provide credibility and recognition for GIABA’s programmes.

Among our esteemed international partners and collaborators, it is important to mention the FATF, UNODC, the World Bank, the IMF and Interpol, who were very supportive during the course of the year. GIABA particularly notes the assistance of the World Bank in the conduct of mutual evaluations of Niger and Mali ; Portugal and Brazil in the conduct of the mutual evaluation of Guinea Bissau, as well as the assistance of the OGBS in the evaluation of The Gambia. GIABA also applauds the assistance received from the FATF Secretariat, the French Ministry of Economy, DFID, the UK Financial Services Authority, the Belgian FIU and the US Government Treasury Department, who provided technical/expert support to GIABA programmes throughout the year. A very special thank you goes to the French Government and to the Commonwealth Secretariat for each sponsoring one of our in-house Legal Experts. These and other significant contributions that could not be enumerated here are deeply appreciated and acknowledged. GIABA also recognizes the strong support of civil society organizations, including the mass media, academia and NGOs, who showed keen interest and collaborated with GIABA in some of its activities. This is most encouraging to us in promoting the importance of AML/CFT awareness and preparedness to control money laundering and terrorism in West Africa.

GIABA also acknowledges the support of various individuals and groups who participated in our programmes this year, including studies on the risk of ML and FT in the region; on the nexus between ML and Corruption; on raising public awareness of ML and the impact of dirty money in the region; and on making two public presentations to hundreds of University students in Dakar.

Finally, GIABA wishes to acknowledge and to thank those who took the time to read this report. This is a demonstration of your special interest in understanding what GIABA represents and what it is striving to do towards combating money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa. We sincerely hope that you will continue to sustain this momentum. 

Annual Report 2007

 This report on the progress and the status of implementation of GIABA Action Plan, is the 2007 annual report  of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). 

Annual Report 2006

This report on the progress and the status of implementation of GIABA Action Plan, is the first annual report  of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). 

Annual Report 2014

Fourteen years after the establishment of GIABA, the emergence of terrorist groups conquering and holding territories, and controlling substantial financial and logistical resources, demonstrates the appropriateness of the vision and relevance of the decision of the Authority of ECOWAS Heads of State and Government to create, in the year 2000, a Specialized Institution of ECOWAS responsible for combating money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). Indeed, combating transnational organized crime, in particular terrorism is now a top ECOWAS priority.

 

The security of member States, beyond a necessity, is an exigency in the search for stability and peace, which are fundamental factors for sustainable development in the region. Accordingly, GIABA’S role is now more than crucial in the search for optimal conditions conducive to job- and wealth-creating investments, which in turn sustain our ambitions for stronger economic growth in the ECOWAS area.

 

Combating money laundering, terrorist financing and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction should be geared not only towards ensuring the security of the financial systems of states, but also towards promoting and driving their development. Thus, to contribute to this effort at improving the welfare of the ECOWAS populace, GIABA’s activity for 2014 focused on four (4) major aspects:

 

1) Assisting member States both in the establishment of national AML/CFT regimes, and in enhancing the capacity of their national actors responsible for their implementation;

2) Facilitating exchanges and pooling gains as well as expertise acquired in order to consolidate progress and facilitate the improvement of the effectiveness of actions taken;

3) Pursuing self-evaluation exercises in member States as well as capacity-building of stakeholders in order to determine the level of compliance and effectiveness of national AML/CFT regimes in line with international standards, on one hand, and empowering member States to achieve more significant and substantial results, on the other;

4) Supporting member States in further fostering and strengthening regional and international cooperation.

 

The analysis of the results obtained in the implementation of these four aspects reveals that, in spite of the substantial progress made, a considerable and diversified number of challenges still need to be tackled. An assessment of the implementation should therefore provide the basis for the design of a new Strategic Plan outlining, in the short and medium term, priority actions that are expected to help in the establishment of more reliable and efficient AML/CFT regimes.

 

It is to be hoped that the information given in this report will provide each and every one an opportunity to assess and understand the constraints that impacted GIABA’s overall performance and the weaknesses of member States with respect to the number of convictions and the freezing and confiscating of assets belonging to perpetrators of economic and financial crimes. The quest for effectiveness, which constitutes the key aim of our new strategic plan, will allow member States, by effectively implementing it, to achieve more significant results.

 

In addition to the introductory information contained in this chapter, the presentation of the general AML/CFT framework in West Africa (Chapter Two) and the summary of member States’ follow-up reports (Chapter Three), this report describes the typologies and other research activities implemented in the year (Chapter Four), and the essential technical assistance (TA) given by GIABA to member States (Chapter Five).

 

Activities relating to advocacy and civil society outreach are described in Chapter Six, while those relating to regional and international cooperation are presented in Chapter Seven. Chapter Eight deals with administrative issues and support services, as well as monitoring and evaluation activities. Finally, Chapter Nine addresses future challenges and prospects.

Annual Report 2013

 This report on the progress and the status of implementation of GIABA Action Plan, is the 2013 annual report  of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). 

Annual Report 2012

 This report on the progress and the status of implementation of GIABA Action Plan, is the 2012 annual report  of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). 

Annual Report 2011

 This report on the progress and the status of implementation of GIABA Action Plan, is the 2011 annual report  of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).