The Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering In West Africa (GIABA) has engaged religious leaders and institutions on anti money laundering /counter financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) on the role they are to play against it’s perpetration.
Speaking at the two day event, the Director General of GIABA, Edwin Harris called on the religious leaders to tAke action and pledge to contribute their quota as religious and opinion leaders in building a better society.
He warned against the the rise in illicit income generating crimes like corruption and working for terrorists for which he called on religious leaders to speak to their congregations against.
“You will agree with me that the increase in illicit income-generating crimes (known as predicate offences of money laundering)
such as corruption, kidnapping, human and drug trafficking, amongst others, in our part of the world is worrisome.
“This is in addition to the high level of violent extremism and the obvious challenges associated with these vices.
“It is therefore important to engage and utilize the tremendous influence of religious leaders and institutions in addressing some of the ills ravaging our society.
“Thus, this program is a clarion call on all of us to play our roles in ensuring a peaceful, secured and economically viable nation and region at large, through the instrumentality of religion” he stated.
He further described this as the key reason why GIABA decided to invite eminent religious leaders in promoting peaceful coexistence, describing their voices as very necessary against violent extremism, terrorism, corruption, trafficking, kidnapping and other predicate offenses.
He also reminded them to that they must not only be heard, but must be seen leading the way by action and exemplary lifestyles.
GIABA is a specialized Institution of ECOWAS, as well as a FATF-style Regional Body (FSRB) for West Africa established in the year 2000 by the authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, with the mandate to protect the economies of member states from the laundering of proceeds of crimes and combat terrorism financing.