Africa-Press – Sierra-Leone. Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Alpha Sesay, gathered key stakeholders for a workshop aimed at developing a comprehensive National Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism (AML/CFT) Strategy.
The meeting, held at the Galliness Hotel in Bo City, included representatives from various sectors of government ministries, regulatory bodies, law enforcement, private sector, and civil society organizations.
Notably, the gathering highlighted the Sierra Leonean government’s determination to combat financial crimes that jeopardize national security and economic stability.
In his keynote address, Alpha Sesay emphasized the critical nature of a cohesive national strategy. He stated, “The development of a comprehensive and effective National AML/CFT Strategy is not merely a compliance requirement. It is a fundamental necessity for building a resilient and prosperous Sierra Leone.”
The Attorney General further warned attendees about the negative consequences of illicit financial flows, which he claimed could undermine development and erode public trust.
He pinpointed the real threats that money laundering and terrorist financing pose to the country’s institutions and progress. “We are gathered here today with a shared understanding that money laundering and terrorist financing are real threats to our institutions and national progress,” he remarked, reinforcing the collective duty to create a robust AML/CFT/PF regime.
The proposed strategy aims to provide a clear framework for national action, focusing on enhancing coordination between agencies, establishing key priorities, and aligning with international standards, particularly those set by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Sesay noted that the alignment is essential for improving Sierra Leone’s international credibility and attracting legitimate investments.
The Attorney General commended law enforcement agencies for their ongoing efforts and reiterated the government’s commitment to intensifying prosecutions under the AML/CFT/PF framework. “We are prepared to continue with prosecutions and will be developing a data-driven and strategic approach to support this commitment,” he said, urging law enforcement to remain vigilant in identifying emerging trends in financial crimes.
Sesay also called for a forward-looking approach in the strategy, emphasizing the need to adapt to global trends and tackle evolving criminal tactics. “Criminals move with time. We cannot expect an effective AML/CFT/PF regime unless we address contemporary challenges and confront emerging criminal disciplines head-on,” he cautioned.
Looking to the future, Alpha Sesay expressed optimism about the upcoming actions stemming from the workshop. He stated, “It is my hope that within the next 48 hours here in the city of Sweet Bo, we will identify both the visible and hidden gaps in our AML/CFT/PF regime and propose concrete, actionable solutions. Together, we can make Sierra Leone a safer and more financially secure nation.”
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