GIABA, FIU Engages Sierra Leonean Youths On AML/CFT

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The Role of the Youths in the fight against transnational organized crimes

By Sylvester Samba

The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) on Thursday 21st November 2019, organized its 12th Open House Forum on Anti-Money Laundering, and Counter-Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) for Youths in Sierra Leone. The 12th edition held at Fourah Bah College (FBC) in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The forum brought together student representatives from tertiary institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and officials of regulatory agencies involved in the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing.

The one-day engagement done in collaboration with the country's Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU). Critical for good governance and advocate for democracy, and empowering the Youths towards raising the desired level of awareness in combating transnational organized crimes, particular, money laundering and terrorist financing. The theme for the 12th edition of the Open House Forum is "The Role of the Youths in the fight against transnational organized crimes."

“The proceeds from crime fuel corruption, in turn, facilitate the commission of crimes and undermines the rule of law. Nations must cooperate and deal with the threat as organized crimes know no borders. Recognition of the negative effect of money laundering and terrorist financing prompted the international community to take measures to combat them.”
— Mr. Timothy Melaye, Information Manager of GIABA Information Center, Lagos
Mr. Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, FIU Director, give a welcome address

Mr. Mohamed Kenewui Konneh, FIU Director, give a welcome address

In his welcome address, the Director of FIU, Mr. Mohamed Kenewui Konneh who also doubles as GIABA National Correspondent said as part of its sustained efforts to raise awareness against the twin evils of Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing in the West African Sub-region, GIABA considers the importance of establishing strategic partnerships with civil society and youths.

The Open House Forum, one of the Awareness and advocacy strategies adopted by GIABA,

  1. alert the young population in the region to the threats of money laundering and financing of terrorism.

  2. raise awareness in a concerted manner on the need to protect national economies and financial systems of ECOWAS member states against the laundering of proceeds from crimes.

Money Laundering and Financial Terrorism severely undermine sustainable development by eroding human capital, social, and political stability, causing an artificial rise in the cost of business, and driving away investment. The menace poses threats to peace, security, and sustainable development in any nation.

The Minister of Youths, Mr. Mohamed O. Bangura, declared the session opened. A statement delivered by both the Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs, and Deputy Minister Attorney General and Justice.

Questions and answers sessions after PowerPoint presentations on the overview of Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism, (AML/CFT) Initiatives, and the Role of GIABA. The Role of the Youths in Combating Transnational Organized Crime and the Negative Consequences of Engaging. Understanding GIABA's Roles, Mission, and Mandate and the Establishing Students and Youth Network against ML/FT (SYN-AML/TF).

A Resolution and Communiqué climaxed the program.

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Theo Edwards

Theo Edwards has over twenty years of diverse Information Technology experience. He spent his days playing with all things IBMi, portal, mobile application, and enterprise business functional and architectural design.

Before joining IBM as Staff Software Engineer, Theo worked as a programmer analyst and application specialist for businesses hosting eCommerce suite on IBMi platform. He has been privileged to co-author numerous publications such as Technical Handbooks, White paper, Tutorials, Users Guides, and FAQs. Refer to manuals here. Theo also holds a degree in Computer Science, Business Administration and various certifications in information security and technologies. He considers himself a technophile since his engagement at Cable & Wireless then later known SLET.