His Excellency, Marcel de Souza, President of the ECOWAS Commission in his keynote address commended GIABA for its good work, and in particular, the involvement of the Commission’s leadership in the forum. He reiterates the Community’s commitment to peace and security through holistic approach. He called for improving the strategic multifaceted approaches and processes required to the desired great results in this specific key areas, which include:  adequately resourcing the Financial Intelligence Units (FIUs), the judiciary to be more active and timely in the adjudication of relevant cases before them, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the media, Youths and Women Groups among others.

The President concluded with recalling his promise when he assumed office as the President of ECOWAS, to strengthen the region, engender reforms and build the credibility of the Institutions. He re-assured the gathering of his commitment to these tasks. He re-emphasized the importance of Peace and Security, stating that without the duo, no economic development can take place.

Mr. Adama Coulibaly, the Director General of GIABA in his welcome address said that the objective of the forum was to share key areas of needs among stakeholders for a comprehensive engagement in AML/CFT, with specific attention on Terrorist Financing to address the concerns of growing terrorism in the region. He highlighted the need to carry every stakeholder along in the preparation for the 2^nd rounds of Mutual Evaluation exercises of GIABA Member States. He explained that the need for peace in the region cannot be overemphasized. The DG brought to light the high-level advocacy missions embarked upon by GIABA leadership to mobilized authorities at the highest level in Member States to ensure adequate compliance and avoid heavy international sanctions. He called on all stakeholders to expand support and commitment to GIABA and its work to build a peaceful and prosperous region.

The Speaker of the ECOWAS Parliament, H.E. Moustapha Cisse Lo and the President of ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Jerome Traore in their goodwill messages expressed solidarity to GIABA and promised support in their individual capacities. Particularly, the Speaker highlighted the specific role of parliament in law making at various member States and pledged commitment to work with GIABA to rid the region of these deleterious crimes.

The Dean of the ECOWAS ambassadors accredited to Senegal also express the commitment of the diplomatic corps to activities of GIABA and the fight against Money laundering and Terrorist Financing.