GIABA partners with Togo’s faith leaders to curb illicit financial flows

Public Management

Wednesday, 29 October 2025 15:29

GIABA partners with Togo’s faith leaders to curb illicit financial flows

(Togo First) - In Lomé, the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) gathered more than 100 religious leaders of various faiths on October 28–29, 2025, for a seminar focused on their role in preventing money laundering and terrorism financing (AML/CFT). The event, held at the Hotel Sancta Maria, is part of GIABA’s regional community awareness strategy led from its Dakar headquarters.

Faith as a moral barrier against financial crime

In a message delivered on his behalf by Timothy Melaye, Senior Communications Officer, GIABA Director General Edwin W. Harris Jr. said that religion “can and should be a force for unity and resilience,” but warned that it can also be exploited by criminal networks. He stressed the need for active cooperation between public institutions and religious authorities to “strengthen collective vigilance” against money laundering, terrorism financing, and extremist propaganda.

According to GIABA, religious organizations play a key role in social cohesion and preventing violent extremism. Their sermons, charitable activities, and proximity to communities make them essential partners in awareness efforts, but also expose them to risks of misuse. “Charitable funds can be diverted, and humanitarian associations can, sometimes unknowingly, serve as channels for illicit financing,” the official warned.

Togo strengthens its oversight

Opening the seminar, Koudjoou Esso, representing Minister of Territorial Administration Colonel Hodabalo Awaté, commended GIABA’s initiative and reaffirmed Togo’s commitment to fighting illicit financial flows. He noted that “terrorism and organized crime often hide behind legitimate activities” and that places of worship and charitable organizations must remain “havens of peace, not conduits for opaque financial flows.”

He also referred to President Faure Essozimna Gnassingbé’s call for a “comprehensive and coordinated approach” to counterterrorism, highlighting recent regional peace and security forums held in Lomé.

Religious leaders called to action

Tchaa Bignossi Aquiteme, president of Togo’s Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF-Togo) and GIABA’s national correspondent, said the meeting aimed to “build a bridge of trust between authorities and spiritual leaders.” He urged participants to “intensify awareness within their communities” and promote financial transparency in their institutions.

The discussions covered red flags of money laundering, reporting mechanisms, and good governance practices within religious organizations.

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