Togo Urged to Establish Asset Recovery Agency, Join Regional Network

Finance

Tuesday, 30 June 2026 16:26

Togo Urged to Establish Asset Recovery Agency, Join Regional Network

(Togo First) - The Asset Recovery Interagency Network for West Africa (ARINWA) has urged Togo to establish a national asset recovery agency and join the regional network. The recommendation was made during a visit to Lomé on Monday, June 29, 2026, by a delegation led by ARINWA President Mor Ndiaye, as part of efforts to strengthen the country’s fight against economic and financial crime.

The delegation met with Justice and Legislation Minister Pacôme Yawo Amenyo Adjourouvi, along with several senior judicial officials. Following the meetings, the Togolese authorities expressed interest in creating such an agency and their willingness to deepen cooperation with ARINWA.

Proposed Role of the Agency

According to ARINWA, the proposed national asset recovery agency would be responsible for identifying, tracing, seizing, managing and recovering assets and funds derived from criminal activity. The network said such agencies have become a key tool in combating corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorism financing, tax fraud and other forms of economic crime.

Although Togo already has several mechanisms to combat corruption and illicit financial flows, ARINWA believes a specialized agency would strengthen the effectiveness of existing efforts. It would also facilitate cooperation with foreign authorities to trace, freeze and repatriate criminal assets hidden abroad.

“The establishment of such a structure, beyond being a legal obligation, is a necessity to ensure the effectiveness of public action against offenses related to economic and financial crime. It is also an act of sovereignty: that of a state that refuses to allow its territory to serve as a refuge for the proceeds of crime,” Mor Ndiaye said.

Existing Legal Framework

Mor Ndiaye said Togo already has the legal foundations needed to establish such an agency. In March 2026, the country incorporated the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) uniform law on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism into national legislation. The law provides for the designation of a national body responsible for managing and recovering frozen, seized or confiscated criminal assets.

ARINWA also reaffirmed its readiness to support Togo throughout the process by providing technical assistance, sharing expertise and facilitating access to its regional and international cooperation networks.

Created to strengthen cooperation among West African states, the Asset Recovery Interagency Network for West Africa helps member countries identify, trace, seize, confiscate and manage the proceeds of crime in order to deprive offenders of the financial gains from their illicit activities.

Esaïe Edoh

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