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Gabon Eyes Strengthened Fight Against Corruption and Illicit Financial Flows

Gabon has taken significant strides in its battle against corruption and illicit financial flows, with a raft of measures aimed at stemming the tide of illegal activities.

Creation of National Commission for the Fight Against Corruption and Illicit Enrichment (CNLCEI)

At the heart of these efforts is the creation of CNLCEI, an independent administrative authority that has been instrumental in coordinating the government’s anti-corruption drive. This commission plays a crucial role in:

Coordinating the government’s anti-corruption efforts
Developing and implementing policies to prevent corruption
Providing training and capacity building for anti-corruption agencies

National Agency for Financial Investigation (ANIF)

Another key development has been the establishment of ANIF, which monitors financial flows in collaboration with financial institutions. The agency is governed by Community Regulation N°01/CEMAC/UMAC/CM on the Prevention and Suppression of Money Laundering, Terrorist Financing and Proliferation in Central Africa.

Strengthened Institutional Framework

Gabon’s institutional framework has also been overhauled to tackle illicit financial flows, with reforms aimed at dematerialising payment systems. The country’s customs and taxes authorities have implemented new measures to ensure the regularity of financial flows, while specialist tribunals and courts have been set up to combat offences related to illegal mining, forestry, and fishing activities.

Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC)

The government has also developed a Strategy Document to Combat Corruption and Money Laundering (DSLCCBC), in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. The strategy targets 10 priority sectors vulnerable to illicit trafficking and is led by ANIF and CNLCEI.

Key Partners and Actors

A range of actors are involved in the fight against illicit financial flows in Gabon, including:

National Financial Investigation Agency
National Directorate of the Bank of Central African States
Inter-Governmental Task Force Against Money Laundering in Central Africa

Collaboration and Partnerships

Collaboration between agencies has been a key component of efforts to combat IFFs. For example:

A partnership was established between CNLCEI, security forces, and the public prosecutor’s office.
ANIF worked with the banking sector and the public prosecutor’s office to tackle money laundering offences.

Diagnostic Study on National Governance

In April 2021, a diagnostic study on national governance, corruption, and the risk of illicit financial flows in the implementation of public policies was launched. The study aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of the situation and inform policy decisions.

The government is also working to strengthen its capacity to combat IFFs, including through:

Conducting in-depth studies into suspected illicit commercial financial flows
Establishing a mechanism for measuring and sharing data related to IFFs
Reducing corruption and strengthening recovery of stolen goods