GIABA HOLDS STATUTORY MEETINGS IN SALY-PORTUDAL

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will be holding its statutory meetings in Saly-Portudal, Republic of Senegal, from 29^th May to 4^th June 2022.

The 37^th Technical Commission/Plenary Meeting of the community Institution will be held in hybrid format from 29^th May to 3^rd June 2022. Convening twice a year, the objective of these meetings is to encourage discussions among technicians from Member States (MS) focusing on the threats and challenges linked to Anti-money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) in the sub-region. They also provide an opportunity for MS to address pertinent issues that require a concerted and harmonized approach in the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures. Finally, as a platform for experience sharing, the Plenary sessions also provide opportunities to establish partnerships among experts, MS representatives, technical partners and observers in AML/CFT.

In Saly Portudal, discussions will focus on the 2^nd Round Mutual Evaluation Reports (MERs) of the Republics of Togo and The Gambia. The Follow-up reports of the 2^nd Round of Mutual Evaluations of Ghana and Senegal will also be discussed. The objective of the Mutual Evaluation and Follow-up Process and Procedures is to assess the implementation and effectiveness of the laws, regulations and other measures required by the core criteria. These Mutual Evaluation exercises are also used to verify whether the necessary measures have been fully and conveniently implemented. They are also designed to assist Member States in addressing the gaps identified in their AMLCFT regimes with a view to ensuring compliance and effectiveness regarding international standards.

The agenda of the GIABA 37^th Plenary meeting also includes meetings of the Risks, Trends and Methods Group (RTMG), the close-session meeting of the Regional Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), etc. The Opening Ceremony of the 37^th Plenary Meeting is scheduled for Thursday 2^nd June 2022 and will be presided over by the Hon. Minister of Finance of the Republic of Senegal. or his/her representative.

The 25th GIABA Ministerial Committee (GMC) Meeting, on its part, will be held on 4^th June 2022. This is the Institution’s supreme policy decision-making body and brings together the Ministers of Economic Development and Finance, Justice and the Interior/Security of each Member State. As provided for in the Statutes, the GMC convenes at least once a year to approve policy directives and review issues relating to the smooth functioning of GIABA. In Saly-Portudal, the line Ministers of the Institution will be considering and adopting among others, the Director General’s half-yearly Activity Report, the report of the 37^th Technical Commission/Plenary Meeting, the Strategic Vision of the Global AML/CFT Network, etc..