Niger Steps Up Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Efforts

Niamey, Niger - In a significant move to combat corruption and terrorism financing, Niger has taken decisive action to strengthen its anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) measures.

The country’s authorities have established HALCIA, which has led to several high-profile individuals being questioned and detained in connection with smuggling goods. This move demonstrates Niger’s commitment to tackling corruption and organized crime.

Improving Justice Ministry Services

The Justice Ministry has set up a hotline for citizens to report corruption cases, resulting in eight complaints filed to lift parliamentary immunity of MPs facing corruption charges.
The ministry is taking concrete steps to combat corruption and ensure accountability among public officials.

Strengthening Counter-Terrorism Efforts

Niger has established:

A central service at the General Directorate for Territorial Surveillance
A terrorism prevention and CTF unit within the judicial system
The National Counter Terrorism Committee, revived at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with a revised structure that includes the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and the BCEAO.

Compliance with International Standards

Niger’s AML/CFT law is now compliant with the WAEMU Community law, and the FIU enjoys improved working conditions, including:

Additional funding
New equipment
Stipends for its staff

The unit has also undergone training and revision of its rules and regulations to enhance its effectiveness.

Strengthening International Cooperation

Niger has strengthened cooperation with other FIUs through agreements with Ghana’s Financial Intelligence Centre and Gabon’s FIU. The country has also:

Conducted study tours to foreign FIUs to learn best practices
Organized working sessions with the GIABA Secretariat and UNODC

National Coordination Committee

The Justice Minister inaugurated the AML/CFT National Coordination Committee in April 2012, which organized a workshop for its members to train them on the national strategy. The committee has approved Niger’s AML/CFT Country Strategy Paper, which is now being adopted by public authorities.

Technical Assistance

GIABA has sponsored a financial analyst for the FIU and provided training programs for the investigation and prosecution authorities. The country is also seeking international cooperation to address its organized crime situation, including:

Restoring confidence among banks and reporting entities
Conducting specific training exercises
Organizing awareness-raising campaigns

Conclusion

Despite the challenges posed by geopolitical instability and porous borders, Niger’s efforts demonstrate a commitment to tackling organized crime and complying with international standards. Sustaining momentum will be crucial in effectively combating money laundering and terrorist financing offenses.