Government of Côte d’Ivoire officially hands over modern GIABA headquarters in Abidjan
The Government of Côte d’Ivoire has taken a decisive step in strengthening regional financial security by officially inaugurating the new headquarters of the Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) in Abidjan’s Deux-Plateaux district. The handover ceremony, presided over by Adama Coulibaly, Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, marked the completion of a modern, fully equipped facility designed to enhance collaboration in combating financial crimes.
« This milestone represents more than just the delivery of a building — it embodies Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to supporting GIABA’s mission against financial crime, » stated Minister Coulibaly. « The new headquarters will serve as a hub for knowledge exchange, expertise sharing, and coordinated action against money laundering and terrorist financing in West Africa. »
Regional collaboration takes center stage
The inauguration follows a 2014 agreement signed in Yamoussoukro, aligning with a 2010 ECOWAS decision to establish two regional centers dedicated to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing. While Lagos was designated for English-speaking member states, Abidjan was selected to serve French and Portuguese-speaking nations, reinforcing the region’s collective defense against illicit financial flows.
Minister Coulibaly highlighted Côte d’Ivoire’s progress in implementing its national action plan ahead of schedule, crediting GIABA’s support. « The completion of this facility demonstrates our dedication to eradicating financial crime by cutting off the lifelines of criminal networks, » he emphasized.
GIABA leadership praises Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment
Edwin Harris Junior, GIABA’s Director General, expressed gratitude to President Alassane Ouattara and the Ivorian government for their unwavering support. « This achievement reflects the trust placed in our organization and Côte d’Ivoire’s pivotal role in strengthening regional mechanisms to combat transnational crime, » he noted.
The new facility is poised to become a regional powerhouse for training, research, documentation, and policy coordination. Idrissa Touré, Head of Côte d’Ivoire’s Financial Intelligence Unit (CENTIF), underscored its potential to foster collaboration. « This center will drive innovation in financial crime prevention through knowledge-sharing and strategic partnerships, » he stated.
Witnesses to a landmark event
The ceremony drew high-level participation from key ministries, including Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Planning, alongside representatives from Liberia’s embassy, UNDP, and UNICEF. The gathering symbolized a unified commitment to fortifying West Africa’s defenses against financial crime.
