Africa steps up fight against graft as AU adopts new asset recovery strategy

Arusha. Africa has developed a Common Africa Position on Asset Recovery, which includes strong processes and suggested actions to guarantee that all embezzled funds and property are returned to their countries of origin.

To support the board and member states in the process, the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption (AUBC) called a conference in January 2024, according to Charity Hanene Nchimunya, the executive secretary of the board.

The AUBC Executive Secretary stated: "There is now a common African position on asset recovery that has recommended measures for identifying where the assets are and how they can be recovered and brought back to the continent."

In the meantime, the "African Union Advisory Board against Corruption" has initiated steps to enable its fifty-five member states to fortify their legal frameworks in the fight against high-level corruption throughout the continent.

Ghana's delegate to the AU Advisory Board against Corruption (AUBC), Kwami Edem Senanu, said: "This is to ensure that corruption is minimised throughout their jurisdiction in sync with the ongoing operation aimed at asset recovery."

He went on: "We are creating an anti-corruption research network to conduct additional research on what is occurring in different countries and how to address it more forcefully and strengthen asset recovery."

Senanu made the observation: "The state has the right to investigate if your lifestyle indicates that you are living beyond your means."

The AUABC is convening its 46th Ordinary Session taking place in Tanzania and running from the 21st to the 26th of March 2024, at the Board’s seat in the Arusha International Conference Centre.

The vice chairperson of the board, Pascoal Antonio Joaquim, said the meeting targets reviewing the status of the fight against corruption on the continent and devising innovative ways to accelerate action to prevent and stem corruption.

As it happens, the Board's ordinary sessions usually provide a platform for high-level discussions, the exchange of best practices, and strategic planning to improve anti-corruption efforts in Africa.

The AUABC, which is an organ of the African Union, plays a pivotal role in advising and assisting Member States in their efforts to prevent and combat corruption, aligned with the Union's commitment to sustainably address the challenges that perpetuate corrupt practices.

During the Arusha Session, the AUABC Board members and Secretariat will be analysing the ongoing anti-corruption initiatives across Africa.

Their agenda covers a wide range of topics, including a review of progress made in implementing anti-corruption measures at the national and regional levels.

They are also assessing challenges and opportunities in the fight against corruption across Africa, evaluating the implementation of AUABC recommendations and resolutions, and strengthening partnerships and collaboration with stakeholders at regional and international levels.

Delegates are also considering the African Union Advisory Board against Corruption's work plan and priorities for the year ahead.

The deliberations underscore the AUABC's unwavering commitment to promoting integrity, transparency, and accountability on the African continent.

By fostering dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders, the board aims to accelerate progress towards achieving sustainable development and ensuring inclusive growth for all African citizens.