A high-level delegation from the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), in collaboration with the Financial Intelligence Agency of Liberia (FIA), has successfully concluded an engaging advocacy mission in Liberia. GIABA is West Africa’s (ECOWAS) specialized body dedicated to the fight against money laundering and terrorist financing (ML/TF). The GIABIA Advocacy mission sought to strengthen Liberia’s efforts in fighting money laundering and terrorist financing, and to reinforce the country’s commitment to regional and international standards on financial transparency and accountability.
The visit, which lasted for three days (August 11-13, 2025), accomplished several objectives, including high-profiled discussions with His Excellency Joseph N. Boakai, President of the Republic of Liberia and his National Security Advisor; as well as heads of relevant government institutions, vis-à-vis, the Public Account Committee (PAC) of the House of Representatives; the Ministry of Justice; the Central Bank of Liberia (CBL); the Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC); and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning.
These constructive interactions were aimed at cultivating and improving inter-agency collaboration, strengthening Liberia’s legislative frameworks, and mobilizing political will to ensure effective implementation of AML/CFT measures.
Throughout these engagements, the GIABA delegation, headed by its Director General, Edwin W. Harris Jr, lauded the Liberian Government for its continuous efforts towards supporting the country’s AML/CFT programs, and reaffirmed GIABA’s commitment to providing technical assistance – including capacity building and policy guidance. The delegation also stressed the significance of sustained political engagement and institutional coordination among AML/CFT stakeholders in safeguarding the integrity of the country’s financial system and promoting regional stability; thus, epitomizing Liberia’s decisive journey toward a more transparent and resilient financial sector.
DG-Harris also used this occasion to inform national authorities about the upcoming GIABA Technical Meetings and 44th Plenary, which will be held in Liberia in November 2025. The event coincides with GIABA’s 25th anniversary as a FATF-style regional AML body of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The GIABA Boss called on the Liberian Government and its relevant competent authorities to ensure the success of the forthcoming plenary.
GIABA Plenaries are usually held twice a year – in May and in November, respectively. The ensuing November 2025 Plenary and Technical Meetings of GIABA will bring together more than 250 delegates from all ECOWAS member states, as well as its associates and observers’ organizations from across the globe. The gathering aims to review the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance levels of GIABA member states, and to foster regional coordination, collaboration, and cooperation.