The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) has organized a three-day training in Cotonou, the capital of Benin, for journalists from West Africa, aimed at curbing the menace of money laundering and the financing of terrorism (ML/FT) within the sub-regions.
The regional workshop, organized by GIABA, focused on investigative journalism in economic and financial crimes, to strengthen journalists and build a strong alliance with the media to promote effective dissemination of issues related to the fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).
Timothy Melaye, speaking on behalf of the Director-General of GIABA, Mr. Edwin W. Harris, indicated, “This training is another effort to establish and sustain further partnerships with media practitioners across the region,” and urged the media to become ambassadors of anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT).
Mr. Timothy also stressed the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, saying, “The fight against money laundering and terrorist financing requires a collective approach where each actor plays a crucial role. Our society needs a moral renaissance, and therefore the importance of this meeting and the expected outcomes cannot be overemphasized.”
GIABA believes the training will encourage journalists to play a leading role in raising awareness and investigating money laundering and terrorist financing.
