Dakar: Financial crimes, including money laundering and terrorist financing, continue to pose significant challenges across West Africa, fuelling conflict and economic inequality. In this battle, the role of the media remains critical yet often underutilized.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering (GIABA) recently held its annual briefing session for ECOWAS ambassadors and development partners, presenting its 2024 Annual Report. The report outlined key achievements and urged ECOWAS states to intensify the implementation of Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (CFT) measures.
GIABA, a specialized institution established in 2000 by ECOWAS, coordinates regional responses to economic and financial crimes. Its efforts underscore the political will to combat money laundering and terrorist financing, aligning West Africa with global AML standards.
Mr. Cheikh Bamba, Director of the Financial Intelligence Unit and GIABA National Correspondent for Senegal, emphasized the importance of collaboration and investment in journalists to effectively combat financial crimes. He highlighted the role of communication and advocacy in understanding and addressing these issues.
Mr. Timothy Melaye, Principal Officer for Communication and Advocacy at GIABA, urged media professionals to act as moral compasses for society. He called for improved media literacy on AML/CFT frameworks to facilitate effective reporting and encouraged journalists to advocate for national re-orientation and participate actively in governance.
Mr. Muazu Umaru, Policy and Research Director at GIABA, discussed the interconnected risks posed by financial crimes and their links to security and political instability. He pointed out that socio-economic grievances often lead individuals to engage in illicit activities.
Togolese journalist Anderson Akue Tounou expressed his hope to contribute to raising awareness of financial crimes through his work. He called on fellow journalists to maintain integrity and provide hope to communities seeking better life conditions.
The session underscored the essential role of the media in raising awareness and advancing the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing. Analysts agree that empowering the media involves providing training, funding, and legal protection, as well as including journalists in national and regional AML/CFT conversations.