GIABA HOLDS STATUTORY MEETINGS IN PRAIA, CABO VERDE

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) from 28 May to 3 June 2023 will hold its statutory meetings in Praia, Cabo Verde, in hybrid format.

The 39th GIABA Technical Commission/Plenary is slated from 28th May to 2nd June 2023 in Praia. Convened twice a year, the meeting aims at fostering discussions among Member State (MS) experts on emerging Anti-money Laundering/Countering Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) challenges in the sub-region. The meeting provides an opportunity for participants to share experiences with a view to reaching common stances on all AML/CFT issues. It also enables MS to address issues that require a concerted and harmonised approach to the effective implementation of AML/CFT measures in accordance with international standards. Finally, as a platform, the GIABA Plenary also provides an opportunity to build partnerships among experts, MS representatives, technical partners and observers in AML/CFT.

During the 39th edition, the Evaluation and Compliance Group (ECG) experts will review the 2nd Round Mutual Evaluation reports of Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia; The 2nd Round Mutual Evaluation Enhanced Follow-up report of Benin as well as the 4th Enhanced Follow-up report of Burkina Faso, among others. The Risks, Trends and Methods Group (RTMG) as well as the Policy Review Group (PRG) experts will consider typology/research reports, risk monitoring, etc. Also on the agenda are the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and Technical Assistance Fora.

An address by H.E. Mrs. Joana Gomes Rosa Amado, Minister of Justice, Republic of Cabo Verde, is scheduled for Thursday, 1st June 2023 during the official Opening Ceremony of the 39th GIABA Technical Commission/Plenary meeting.

The Community Institution's line Ministers will convene for the 26th Ministerial Committee session on Saturday, 3rd June 2023 in Praia. The other agenda items include consideration and adoption of the Director General's 2023 Half-Yearly Activity Report; the presentation and adoption of the GIABA 2023-2027 Strategic Action Plan; the adoption of the 2nd Round Mutual Evaluation Reports (MERs) of Côte d'Ivoire and Liberia; the presentation of the status of GIABA MStates in the ICRG process; the Strategic Vision of the Global AML/CFT Network, etc. The Prime Minister of Cabo Verde, H.E. José Ulisses de Pina Correia e Silva, is expected to attend the official Opening Ceremony.