PHOTO: Edwin Harris, now the new Director General of GIABA
A Liberian now heads the prestigious sub-regional ECOWAS anti-money laundering institution, GIABA—the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa.
He is Edwin W. Harris, Director General of the Financial Intelligence Unit of Liberia, who has been appointed as the new Head/Director of GIABA with headquarters in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, a press release from the FIU said at the weekend (Friday, July 29, 2022).
According to the release, Mr. Harris’ performance, visible achievements and competence in Liberia, are few reasons that triggered his appointment to serve as Director General for FIU’ institutions in West Africa.
He recently traveled and met a team of experts, where he was professionally interviewed and vetted for the diplomatic job, which led to his acceptance and appointment.
GIABA announced his appointment on July 19, 2022, after he was nominated by Liberian President George Manneh Weah.
Mr. Harris has a four-year tenure as the Director General of the specialized anti-money laundering body of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
The Liberian top-notch financial investigator will be assigned in Dakar, Senegal, where the ECOWAS specialized anti-money laundering body headquarters is located.
Meanwhile, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Mr. Suzi Carala Barabosa has signed Mr. Harris’ appointment letter on behalf of the Council President.
GIABA profile
The Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) was established by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government in the year 2000.GIABA – –
The creation of GIABA is a major response and contribution of the ECOWAS to the fight against money laundering.
GIABA is a specialized institution of ECOWAS that is responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states towards the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region. Apart from member states, GIABA grants Observer Status to African and non-African States, as well as Inter-Governmental Organizations that support its objectives and actions and which have applied for observer status.