GIABA gives clerics tasks in the areas of money laundering and terrorist financing

The intergovernmental action Anti-money laundering group in West Africa (GIABA) has urged religious clerics to join the fight against terrorist financing and money laundering on the continent.

The Director General of GIABA, Edwin Harris, made the call on Friday during a national sensitization seminar the organization held for religious leaders and institutions on Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism (AML/CFT) in Kano.

Mr. Harris, represented by Timothy Melaye, Head of GIABA in Nigeriadescribed the increase in illegal revenue-generating crimes in Africa as a worrying development.

“You will agree with me that the increase in illegal revenue-generating crimes, known as predicate offenses of money laundering, such as corruption, kidnapping, human and drug trafficking, among others, in our part of the world, is worrying. This is in addition to the high levels of violent extremism and the obvious challenges associated with these sites,” the official said.

He said that through this, GIABA has leveraged the enormous influence of religious leaders and institutions in addressing some of the ills plaguing society.

“This program is thus a loud call to all of us to play our part in ensuring a peaceful, secure and economically viable nation and region as a whole, through religion. This is the main reason why GIABA decided to invite eminent personalities like all of you to this crucial seminar.

“In promoting peaceful coexistence, the voice of our religious leaders must be strongly heard against violent extremism, terrorism, corruption, human trafficking, kidnapping and other predicate crimes. Second, they must not only be heard, but also lead the way through action and exemplary lifestyles.”

Mr Melaye expressed optimism that the meeting would be a springboard for religious and opinion leaders to join in raising awareness on the ailments and shaping the morals of their followers.

“It is a common belief that religious leaders wield significant influence among their followers. This is evidence of the potential influence of moral persuasion, which can be used to enhance the well-being of society.

“We must at all times have the courage to speak the truth, contradict evil, walk the right path, counsel evil and, where necessary, report clearly destructive evil to the appropriate authority.

“If we are to rid society of these outrages, we must continue to stand as the shining light and example that we are; we must resist all negative influences and help guide the path of our followers in building a safe society,” he reiterated.

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In their separate remarks, event participants, drawn from various religious groups and academics, praised GIABA for its concern for society.

A former Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Kano, Adeyemo Adeolu, said the sensitization workshop was timely, stressing that the religious leaders would pass on the message.

GIABA is a specialized institution of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), established in 2000 to protect member states against the laundering of the proceeds of crime and to combat the financing of terrorism.