The African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum, AARP,
has charged African countries to join hands
in forging a road map and actionable processes against
resource theft and asset recovery on the continent.
This charge was given at
the ongoing inaugural meeting of the Forum in
Nairobi, Kenya with the theme: “Supporting Efforts of
African Union Member States to Effectively Implement the Common African
Position on Asset Recovery, CAPAR.
In his remarks, the Secretary and Chief
Executive Officer, Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission, EACC,
Mr. Abdi Mohamud observed that though Africa has been a
victim of resource theft, it has the blame for such losses
for often aiding the external thieves. "We should collectively change
the narrative and fight to get our stolen assets," he said.
While urging the continent
to take a strong stance against resource
theft and speak with one voice against the scourge, he
regretted that the global anti-money laundering watchdog, the Financial Action
Task Force, FATF would list African countries which are at the receiving end of
resource pillage on its Grey-List, while the thieving foreign nations are given
a clean bill of health.
He further called for proper application
of repatriated assets and encouraged African countries to ensure that
public office holders are held accountable and subjected to forfeiture of
unexplained wealth.
In her opening remarks, Chairperson,
African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption , AUABC, Hon. Seynabou
Diakhate Ndiaye, stated that it was a new dawn for both
anti-corruption fight and stolen asset recovery
in Africa, noting that the commitment of the Forum was critical to
the implementation of the Common African Position in Asset
Recovery, CAPAR.
On his part, the Interim Chairman of
the Forum and the Chairman of Nigeria’s Independent Corrupt
Practices and Other Related Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr Musa
Aliyu, while highlighting the challenges illicit
financial flows posed to Africa, noted that the need to
fight the scourge and facilitate asset recovery was the
driving force behind the Forum.
The highlight of the event was the signing of
AARP charter, being its operational guiding instrument by
anti-corruption agencies, asset recovery institutions and prosecution
institutions from 31 participating African countries, which
included Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC and
ICPC.
In addition to the participating African
countries, African Development Bank, AFDB, United Nations Office on
Drugs and Crime, UNODC, Civil Society Forum for
Asset Recovery among others were in attendance.
The three-day event which began on Tuesday,
15 April 2025 will wind up on Thursday April 17, 2025.
Aisha Mohammed, Head
of EFCC’s Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit represented
the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Mr. Ola
Olukoyede.
