Snowe Salutes GIABA at Accra Conference -Says Nature, Timing, Carry Immense Significance

MONROVIA – The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), West Africa’s regional body that is fighting against money laundering, terrorist financing, and proliferation financing, is having a high-level meeting in Accra, Ghana, and Liberia’s head of delegation to the ECOWAS Parliament, Bomi County Senator Edwin Melvin Snowe, Jr. was on hand to proffer a few fond words for the conferees.

This meeting, by its very nature and timing, carries immense significance, he said in a statement, noting that the assembly of experts and stakeholders came against the backdrop of persistent and evolving security and governance challenges that threaten the gains made in building a peaceful, secure, and economically integrated West Africa.

In this regard, the Liberian lawmaker said, GIABA’s work stands as a pillar in a collective response to some of the most complex threats confronting the region, namely, money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of financial crime that often serve as enablers of insecurity and institutional fragility.

In addition to the smooth transfer of power from Nigeria to Sierra Leone for which “we would like to congratulate Nigeria for her leadership during the period,” Snowe noted, “we equally want to congratulate Sierra Leone and trust that you will continue to set even higher standards”.

He said the other focus of the meeting, which was the admission of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) into GIABA, was not only appropriate, but urgent and essential, noting further that the admission of the AES countries into GIABA is of strategic importance and must be welcomed.

“I cannot overemphasize that the exclusion of the AES countries from GIABA’s technical oversight and peer evaluation framework creates a serious institutional gap that could be exploited by actors engaged in money laundering, terrorist financing, and other financial crimes,” he said further, noting that the risk of these jurisdictions becoming safe havens or unregulated corridors for illicit activities cannot be ignored.

As such, the ECOWAS Parliamentarian said, their integration into GIABA is not a matter of political accommodation but rather an operational imperative for regional safety, stability, and effective collective action.

Furthermore, he asserted that the ECOWAS Parliament holds the view that the admission of the AES countries into GIABA can serve as a bridge, laying the foundation for re-engagement, trust-building, and constructive dialogue across the region.

“It opens a pathway for ensuring that the ideals of ECOWAS, peace, solidarity, development, and integration, remain inclusive and forward- looking, even in times of political divergence,” Snowe also indicated, with an expression of hope of the ECOWAS Parliament that, “as this distinguished Ministerial Committee Meeting begins, its deliberations, the outcomes will not only pave the way for the full participation of the AES countries in GIABA but will also serve as a renewed spirit of regional cooperation”.

He opined that the spirit that recognizes the interdependence of regional security, the oneness of economic space, and the shared future that binds all West African peoples is something to collective pursue.

“The ECOWAS Parliament pledges its continued support to GIABA and reaffirms its commitment to advancing policies and frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and good governance,” said Senator Snowe, who is also Chairman of the Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and APRM of the ECOWAS Parliament.

He stated: “On behalf of the Speaker and Members of the ECOWAS Parliament and in my capacity as Chair of the Committee on Political Affairs, Peace, Security and the African Peer Review Mechanism, I am deeply honoured to convey warm greetings and profound appreciation for the invitation extended the ECOWAS Parliament to participate in this Extraordinary GIABA Ministerial Committee Meeting.”

He said the invitation to him spoke not only to the strong and enduring partnership between GIABA and the ECOWAS Parliament, but also to shared regional commitment to the integrity, stability, and cohesion of regional governance architecture.

“We salute GIABA for its leadership and for convening this important meeting at such a critical juncture in the life of our Community,” he further emphasized. “Over the years, GIABA has proven itself as one of the most impactful specialized institutions within the ECOWAS architecture, demonstrating not only technical excellence but also unwavering commitment to the security, integrity, and socio-economic wellbeing of our region.

“It is, therefore, befitting to particularly extol the Director General and his team of dedicated staff for the professionalism with which they continue to discharge their mandate. Their vigilance, expertise, and strategic leadership have contributed immensely to the collective regional response to the scourge of money laundering, terrorist financing, and the financing of the proliferation of weapons. These are not abstract threats; they are serious challenges to the stability of the region and the prosperity of our peoples.”

In conclusion, he commended the Director General and staff of GIABA for his outstanding professionalism, foresight, and unwavering dedication to the critical mandate entrusted to him.

“I also wish to sincerely acknowledge and appreciate the presence and commitment of Her Excellency Madam Vice President who took time of your busy schedule as well as Honourable Ministers and Security Chiefs who have travelled to participate in this Extraordinary Committee Meeting,” he said and added: “Your distinguished presence is a strong testament to the collective resolve of our region to confront shared challenges with unity and purpose.

“I wish this meeting fruitful deliberations, sound decisions, and resounding success in the important tasks ahead. May our efforts today lay the foundation for a more secure, financially resilient, and united West Africa.”