ECOWAS – Advent Cable Network Nigeria

Outrage as ECOWAS Report Uncovers ISWAP’s N18bn Terror Financing Network

ACNN ADMIN — Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:59:05 +0000

Outrage, anger, and disgust were some of the responses of security experts and civil society organisations (CSOs) at the weekend following a report by the Inter-governmental Action Group on Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) that the terror group, Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) moved a whooping N18 billion annual revenue through the Nigerian financial system to fund its activities.

Nigeria’s federal government was criticised for its failure to track the movement of funds by the terrorist groups, Boko Haram and ISWAP, through the country’s financial system. This was despite the trial and conviction of terror sponsors from Nigeria by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, who also made available intelligence on the convicted terror financiers to Nigeria. The Nigerian government was alleged to have taken no action on the matter.

GIABA is a task force set up by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The organisation is a specialised institution of ECOWAS responsible for strengthening the capacity of member states towards the prevention and control of money laundering and terrorist financing in the region.
The report estimated ISWAP’s revenues, which it put at $36 million (N18 billion) annually, to be larger than that of Boko Haram. It said much of the revenue came from trading activities and taxation in the Lake Chad region.

But reacting to the findings, security experts were miffed by the failure of the Nigerian government to leverage intelligence on terror financiers supplied by UAE and Saudi Arabia to try to track the circulation of the illicit funds.

Speaking on the GIABA report, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Mr. Okechukwu Nwangwuma, deplored the federal government’s failure to contain terror financing.

Nwangwuma said, “At a time that the Nigerian government has been in a frenzy embarking on various schemes to regulate the media and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), spending huge resources to purchase equipment to track information about human rights groups and activists with all the measures to track the resources coming to NGOs from international development partners, with all the financial and operational regulatory processes put in place and targeted at organisations involved in development work, it is no longer in doubt that government is obsessed with going after perceived opponents and critical media, while terrorists and their sponsors are allowed to freely transact business without being monitored and arrested.

“I do not know how I can avoid the conclusion that this government is intolerant of, sympathetic to, if not in complicity with, terrorists. People in, or connected to, government appear to be benefitting from the proceeds of terrorist activities.”

Nwangwuma added, “Look at the ease with which terrorists kidnap people in mass and demand and receive billions in ransom. There are people in high places, including in government, who are the sponsors and beneficiaries.”

In an interview with THISDAY, also, Assistant Regional Vice President, Region 11, ASIS International, one of the largest associations of security management professionals in the world, Dr. Kabiru Umar, said the report showed the inability of the country’s counterterrorism efforts to block funding avenues of the terror groups.

Umar stated, “A good testament to the authenticity of the GIABA report is the inability of Nigeria’s counter terrorism efforts to block the funding avenues of the terror groups operating in Nigeria, including ISWAP and JAS.

“The report alleged that ISWAP might have generated about N18 billion in Nigeria. That is huge and explains why the group is strong and able to exercise influence.”

The GIABA report also stated that the federal government failed to confiscate assets of terrorists as stipulated in the global anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing standards.

However, in his contribution, a former army spokesman, Brig. Gen. S. K Usman (rtd), said government had taken steps to address terror funding, but it was not providing adequate information on such steps.

Usman said, “I am not speaking for government, but I would say that some steps have been taken by government in that regard, for instance, the arrest of BDC operators.

“There is also a challenge of making available information on what government has done with countering terror financing.”
Umar also acknowledged that though government had taken steps to address the issue of terror financing, gaps still remained.

He stated, “The report is, therefore, an independent assessment of how well Nigeria is faring with regards to its commitments to AML/CFT (Anti-Money Laundering/Combating the Financing of Terrorism). It has pointed out several positive achievements but several challenges as well. It is absolutely important that the entirety of MDAs study these report and heed its recommendation.

“From 2019 to date the Nigerian government has taken some steps that were recommended by the report, such as closer look at the financing of NGOs and of Bureau De Change operators.

“Some vital measures that remain a huge challenge is implementation of AML/CFT measures by some financial and banking institutions, who are a major risk factor within the industry but are yet to buy in.”

The report indicted intelligence and anti-graft agencies, notably, the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) for the failure to trace and stop terror financing.

It said, “The Department of State Services, Nigeria’s lead counter-terrorism agency, has significant ability to identify and investigate TF activity. It conducts parallel financial investigations in conjunction with terrorism investigations. However, there is little evidence of the effectiveness of such efforts.
“The content of TF-related Suspicious Transactions Reports submitted to the NFIU (Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit) has not been of demonstrable value, appearing to add little to Nigeria’s CFT (Combating the Financing of Terrorism) efforts.

“The agency maintained that Nigeria did not demonstrate effective legal and operational frameworks for seeking international cooperation, including for the recovery and repatriation of assets.”

In a chat with THISDAY, a senior military officer, who retired on the rank of major general, said government was not committed to halting terror funding. The retired senior officer, who spoke anonymously, queried the federal government’s failure to try the suspects arrested so far.

He stated, “What has government done? United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia arrested Boko Haram financiers, prosecuted them and jailed them; their accomplices are still here. About 400 BDC operators were arrested, the Attorney-General promised to prosecute them. What has happened?

“Some 1,000 insurgents were arrested after which government promised to try them in June. Are we still in June? There is simple a lack of commitment to do so.”
Former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, had raised the alarm that some NGOs in the North-east were allegedly operating about 50 bank accounts each. Magu called on banks to provide the anti-graft agency with information on such organisations.

The GIABA report was adopted by the global financial intelligence agency, Financial Action Task Force, whose recommendations help authorities to go after the money of criminals dealing in illegal drugs, human trafficking and other crimes.

The report stated, “Boko Haram/ISWAP pose significant TF (Terrorist Financing) risks that are challenging to disrupt, operating in large part outside the formal financial and commercial system in the conflict zone.

“As with other forms of illicit financial activity, the pervasive use of cash enables these groups’ funding. A study estimated ISWAP’s revenues, deemed larger than Boko Haram’s, at up to USD$36 million annually, much of it from trading activity and taxation in the Lake Chad region.”

It added, “According to Nigerian authorities, both groups have also continued to mobilise, move and utilise funds through the formal financial and commercial system as well, accounting for a relatively small portion of TF activity. These groups also engage in international trafficking activities and as sworn adherents to the Islamic State, also have links with other regional and global terrorist networks.

“The authorities believe that any external support from ISIS Core may account for a small portion of ISWAP’s overall revenues. However, trade with broader criminal networks that could extend to regional jihadist organisations appears to generate significant income for both Boko Haram and ISWAP.”

Kingsley Nwezeh in Abuja (Arise TV)

It Is Time To Start Treating Africa As Major Geopolitical Player – U.S.

ACNN NEWS — Fri, 19 Nov 2021 20:07:57 +0000

The United States government believes now is the time for major geopolitical players across the world to start treating Africa as one of them.

U.S. Secretary of State, Mr Antony Blinken, stated this on Friday while addressing members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in Abuja.

“United States firmly believes that it is time to start treating Africa as a subject in geopolitics, and structure it as a major geopolitical player it has become – the facts speak for themselves,” he said.

Speaking specifically about Nigeria, the U.S. official highlighted some of the reasons it would not be out of place to call the nation the giant of Africa.

Among several other qualities, he noted Nigeria’s cultural influence, saying people across the world listen to the Afrobeat music genre and watch Nollywood movies. He, however, believes there are areas that require improvements.

”Your strengths are undeniable – a dynamic democracy, a robust economy, and a very powerful civil society. Challenges you face here are undeniable as well, including the disruption and insecurity caused by terrorism,” said Blinken.

“What happens here in Nigeria is felt around the world, and that, in a nutshell, is why I came to Abuja. United States knows that in most of the challenges and opportunities we face, Africa will make a difference.

“We can’t achieve our goals around the world – whether ending the COVID-19 pandemic, building a strong and inclusive global economy, combating the climate crisis… without the leadership of the African governments, institutions, and citizens.

“Countries like Nigeria, not just global leaders, they are increasingly prominent around the world beyond this region, and they are deserving a permanent seat wherever the most consequential issues are discussed.”

Democratic Backsliding

The U.S. Secretary of State stressed the need to foster democracy across the African continent and appealed to its leaders to stop interfering with democratic processes.

Alluding to the threats to democracy also in the U.S., he stated that it was important for countries in every part of the world to share best practices.

Blinken also asked them to make public pledges to hold each other accountable, as well as show how democracy can deliver what citizens want quickly and effectively.

He explained that boosting democracy was one of the major reasons why U.S. President Joe Biden would host a democratic summit in December.

“The recession of democracy in many places in Africa cannot be denied, and it is not the will of the people,” the U.S. official decried. “Survey after survey in countries across the continent show that the people of Africa – either Ghanaian, or Zambian, or Ugandan, or Tanzanian – support democracy when given the choice between multi-party elections or strong man rule, one-party state or military control; they choose multi-party elections.

“That makes it more important that leaders show leadership and stop democratic backsliding that is wiping away their citizens’ aspirations. I want to emphasise that democratic backsliding is not just an African problem, it is a global problem.

“My own country is struggling with threats to democracy and the solutions to those threats will come as much from Africa as from anywhere.”

ChannelsTV

Guinea Refuses To Allow Deposed President To Leave The Country

ACNN ADMIN — Sun, 19 Sep 2021 12:37:12 +0000

Guinea’s military leaders say they will not let deposed President Alpha Conde seek exile, after regional mediators attempted to mount pressure to secure his release following a coup earlier this month.

The statement on Friday came after the West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS met Colonel Mamady Doumbouya in Conakry.

“We will not yield to any pressure,” military leaders said following the conclusion of the talks. “Conde is and will remain in Guinea.”

The chairman of ECOWAS, Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo, and the president of Ivory Coast, Alassane Ouattara, met Doumbouya, the coup leader and head of a special forces unit in the military, and visited Conde, who has been detained since being toppled on September 5 after more than 10 years in power.

Akufo-Addo said the delegation had “a very frank, fraternal discussion” with Doumbouya and his associates.

“I think that ECOWAS and Guinea are going to do well together,” he said, adding that they had also been able to hold a fruitful meeting with Conde.

The bloc agreed on targeted sanctions on Thursday after Guinea’s military leaders failed to meet its demands. ECOWAS has called for Conde’s immediate release and for a swift transition of power, with elections held within six months.

Soldiers behind the coup say they are holding consultations with various public figures, groups and business leaders in the country to map a framework for the transition. They claim to have overthrown Conde because of concerns about poverty and corruption, and because he was serving a third term only after altering the constitution to permit it.

The adopted sanctions include the freezing of the financial assets and the imposition of travel bans on Guinea’s military leaders and their relatives.

West and Central Africa has seen four coups since last year. The political upheaval has intensified concerns about a backslide towards military rule in a resource-rich but poverty-stricken region.

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Buhari Calls For Resolution Of Mali’s Political Crisis As He Meets Jonathan

ACNN ADMIN — Fri, 28 May 2021 14:16:10 +0000

The President, Muhammadu Buhari, has urged settlement between disputing parties in the ongoing political crisis in Mali encouraging that all differences be sorted out and unite for the peace and unity of the country.

President Buhari said this at the Aso Rock, Abuja, on Friday 28th of May while hosting Nigeria’s Ex President and his predecessor Goodluck Jonathan, who currently serves as Special Envoy and ECOWAS mediator to Mali.

Femi Adesina, who is the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, disclosed this in a statement titled ‘President Buhari, Jonathan confer on crisis in Mali.’

According to the statement, “President Muhammadu Buhari Friday in Abuja called on the actors in the political crisis in Mali to come together for the peace and unity of the country.

“The President spoke when he received in audience former President Goodluck Jonathan who is Special Envoy and ECOWAS mediator to the West African country.”

Quoting the President the statement said that “a situation where most parts of the country are in the hands of insurgents calls for a consensus and restoration of peace, not a further escalation of the crisis.”

The Ex President Dr. Jonathan reportedly briefed the President on the current situation in Mali after meeting with the key political actors ahead of the meeting of ECOWAS leaders under the Chairmanship of President Nana Akufo-Addo of the Republic of Ghana.

ECOWAS TO ENSURE FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT IN MEMBER COUNTRIES

ACNN NEWS — Tue, 10 Oct 2017 18:17:21 +0000

Dr Nelson Magbagbeola, ECOWAS Parliament Secretary-General says the parliament will continue to monitor the border of member countries to ensure the full implementation of the community´s protocol on free movement.

Magbagbeola stated this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at the end of the five-day ECOWAS Parliament 4th Legislature de-localised meeting in Niamey.

He said that the ECOWAS protocol on free movement had been a major challenge to the body with regards to its full implementation by member countries.

He added that citizens of member countries had continuously been harassed and asked to pay money to enter other countries.

“It is a serious challenge; but ECOWAS Parliament has taken it upon itself to be visiting the borders. We started in August, when we were in Lome.

“We visited the Lome border, Ghana border at Aflawo, we also went to the Lakunji Benin border, that is the border between Togo and Benin to sensitise the population.

“And we have also planned similar border visits by parliamentarians for Darkar, Bamako and Ouagadougou.

“´There are other ones for Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia so as to address these issues, meet with the operatives and find out what the challenges are,´´ he said.

He added that the parliament´s desire was for the ECOWAS to be a single economy space where people could move freely without any harassment.

Magbagbeola further added that though governments and the authorities of member countries had the political will to ratify the ECOWAS protocols, implementation of treaties had remained a major challenge.

“The political will is there but unfortunately because of poverty, the operatives demand for money and they lobby to be posted to the borders to make money,’’ he said.

He, however, added that sensitisation was going on to educate ECOWAS citizens that they were not expected to pay anything to move freely within the sub-region.

The ECOWAS Parliament Secretary-General pointed out that the de-localised meeting was very successful in terms of organisation and course content.

´´Instead of staying back in Abuja and talking about ECOWAS and people hearing about it, we brought it closer to the people.

´´Part of the programme was to engage with the authorities. We were with the President of the country and the Speaker of the National Assembly and also met with the Prime Minister,´´ he said.

Magbagbeola added that issues about migration and the free movement of persons and goods within the sub-region were extensively discussed at the meeting.

He said that the meeting also discussed issues concerning development and the need for a common currency as a way of bringing ECOWAS closer to the people.

The Secretary-General said that the parliament would continue to encourage women to take up elective positions, education for the girl-child and the training and re-training of women to get to high positions.

He added that the parliament would continue to give priority to issues concerning female gender mutilation, suppression of women rights and gender equality.