His Excellency Hadrammeh M. Sidibeh, High Commissioner of The Gambia to Senegal and Dean of the ECOWAS Group Diplomatic Corps accredited to the Republic of Senegal, has reaffirmed the continued support of the Diplomatic Corps for the work of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA).
The High Commissioner made the statement during GIABA’s Annual Briefing Session for Ambassadors, Technical and Financial Partners, the presentation of its 2025 Annual Report, and the institution’s Annual Press Conference held on 6th July 2026 in Dakar, Senegal.
Addressing diplomats, ECOWAS representatives, development partners, government officials and members of the media, H.E. Sidibeh described the engagement as an important platform for strengthening regional dialogue and cooperation in addressing money laundering, terrorist financing, proliferation financing and other emerging financial crimes.
He commended GIABA’s Director-General, Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr., the GIABA Secretariat, ECOWAS institutions, the Government of Senegal, particularly CENTIF Senegal, as well as technical and financial partners for their continued commitment to promoting financial integrity and strengthening regional mechanisms to combat illicit financial activities.
The Dean highlighted that financial security remains a critical component of national and regional security, noting that transnational organised crime, cybercrime, illicit financial flows and terrorism require coordinated responses, stronger institutions and enhanced international cooperation.
He underscored GIABA’s significant contribution over the past twenty-five years in supporting ECOWAS Member States to develop effective anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing and counter-proliferation financing frameworks. He also welcomed the launch of the third round of mutual evaluations, which places greater emphasis on effectiveness, measurable outcomes and institutional capacity.
Reaffirming the commitment of The Gambia and the ECOWAS Diplomatic Corps, High Commissioner Sidibeh pledged continued support for initiatives that advance regional cooperation, transparency, good governance and financial integrity across West Africa.
The Dean also paid tribute to Mr. Edwin W. Harris Jr. for his leadership and contribution to strengthening GIABA’s institutional capacity and regional impact, while commending the dedication of the GIABA Secretariat in advancing the organisation’s mandate.
He expressed confidence that the Annual Briefing and the 2025 Annual Report would further enhance cooperation among ECOWAS Member States, regional institutions and development partners in promoting peace, security and sustainable development in West Africa.
