GIABA Trains West African Civil Society Organizations in Niamey for Concerted Action

The Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) will be organizing a Regional Sensitization Workshop on Anti-money Laundering and Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Civil Society Organization (CSO) actors in ECOWAS Member States in Niamey, Republic of Niger, from 19^th  to 21^st July, 2023.

The objectives of this workshop are to: sensitize CSOs on the risks and consequences of ML/TF in the sub-region; strengthen the capacities of CSO actors in AML/CFT; further mobilize CSOs in the fight for them to carry out advocacy designed to influence the effective implementation of AML/CFT regimes at both domestic and sub-regional levels; sensitize CSOs on the relevance of using their platforms for the dissemination of information, publications and sharing of reliable information on AML/CFT; identify an effective strategy to build a strong network of West African CSOs engaged in AML/CFT.

The fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) requires today more than ever the involvement of all stakeholders. One of GIABA's strategic thrusts since 2011 has been the promotion of strategic partnerships with the private sector, civil society and other key stakeholders. To enable citizens take appropriate measures against ML/TF, it is crucial to continue to sensitize CSOs on these scourges and the predicate offences. Their involvement is decisive in the fight. The city of Niamey will be hosting the 2023 edition of this meeting of West African CSOs active in the areas of good governance, human rights, the fight against ML/TF , corruption, embezzlement, etc. designed to enhance public awareness, effective and sustainable pressure as key drivers to strengthen the efforts already undertaken by GIABA.

Experienced in the strategy of persuasion, CSOs need to define the specific contribution they can and should make to overcome the threat of ML and the emergence of TF to change public understanding and habits. In an environment where political leaders, decision-makers need to be sensitized on and involved in the fight against ML/TF, civil society is the backbone to advocate and bring about change.

The workshop will be facilitated by the GIABA Secretariat and other resource persons. It is expected, at the end of the workshop, among others, that awareness on the harmful effects of ML/TF will be improved; better understanding and more assertive support from CSOs for the for the achievement of GIABA’s objectives; increased participation of civil society actors in the advocacy process with decision-makers; greater awareness of the AML/CFT issue in correlation with issues of security, peace and stability of States as well as improvement in the GIABA perception index.