In a concerted effort to combat Illicit Financial Flows (IFF), HEDA Resource Centre, the Anti Corruption Bureau of Malawi, and Civil Forum for Asset Recovery (CiFAR) collaborated to lead an international conference event titled “Enhancing Accountability: A Call for Collaborative Efforts in Addressing Illicit Financial Flows and Asset Recovery.”
Co-organized by the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, African Union Working Group on the Common African Position on Asset Recovery, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission of Nigeria, the event aimed to address the challenges posed by high-profile corruption cases and the proliferation of IFF.
The side event sought to explore the effectiveness of both local and international mechanisms in addressing IFF and advancing asset recovery. The primary objective was to foster collaboration and bolster accountability, particularly in countries serving as destinations for illicit financial flows.
The event showcased the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR) as a pivotal instrument for curbing illicit financial flows from Africa and aiding the identification, repatriation, recovery, and return of assets.
Conducted in person, the event featured esteemed speakers, including Mr. Ola Olukoyede, Executive Chairperson of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Nigeria; Hon. Ms. Seynabou Ndiaye Diakhate, Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption (AUABC); Mr. Donald Deya, Chief Executive Officer of the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU); and Mr. Lewis Kundai, Research Officer at CiFAR.
Structured around thematic tracks such as Collaborative Governance for Asset Recovery, Corruption and Human Rights: Regional Mandates, Empowering Professional Associations: Civil Sanctions, and Sanctions Framework for Illicit Financial Flows, the event followed a detailed timetable.
The event aimed at achieving increased collaboration, actionable policy recommendations, heightened awareness and advocacy, enhanced accountability, and the establishment of a framework for future collaboration.
Through this side event, the international community sought to escalate efforts in addressing the challenges posed by IFF, promoting greater accountability and transparency in the global fight against corruption, and ensuring the timely return of recovered stolen assets.
