The Forum of African State Audit Institutions and Similar Bodies (FIGE) organized in Nouakchott, the capital of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, its 7th General Assembly and the 6th International Symposium on the theme of “Good Governance and the Fight Against Corruption in the Service of Development and Security,” which took place from October 22 to 23, 2018.
These events, organized by FIGE in collaboration with the European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF), were attended by approximately 100 participants from some 30 countries in Africa and Europe, including representatives from several FIGE partner institutions, members of the Mauritanian government, delegations from FIGE member institutions, ambassadors stationed in Mauritania, development partners, and senior officials from the Mauritanian government and private sector. The event featured presentations by several experts specializing in the fight against fraud, corruption, money laundering, and their impacts on national security.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Prime Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, His Excellency Yahya Ould Hademine, who stated: “My presence here reflects the importance that President Mohamed Ould Abel Aziz and his government place on good governance and the fight against corruption in order to promote better development.” “The organization of this conference is also clear evidence of the high credibility and trust that Mauritania enjoys within your esteemed organization,” he noted. “The choice of theme for the international symposium highlights the fundamental dimensions and objectives of the fight against corruption.”
“It is also the conviction that development necessarily requires the rational use of resources and their allocation toward improving the living conditions of the population, safeguarding citizens’ fundamental rights, and strengthening the security of our countries.”
The ceremony continued with remarks by the Executive Secretary of FIGE, the Inspector General of the Republic of Djibouti, Mr. Hassan Issa Sultan; the Inspector General of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, Mr. Ahoua N’Doli, outgoing Chair of the Steering Committee; and the Inspector General of Mauritania, Mr. Abderrahmane Ould Mohamed.
Current issues such as the legal framework, the fight against money laundering, the financing of terrorism, and the important role of State General Inspectorates in combating these scourges, which can undermine national security. Particular attention was paid to the situation in the Sahel countries and the impact of anti-corruption and anti-money laundering measures on strengthening security, as these illegal activities can contribute to the destabilization of countries and the weakening of their institutions.
The symposium featured presentations by panelists, including FIGE Executive Secretary Hassan Issa Sultan, who outlined FIGE’s achievements and future prospects from its inception to the present day—spanning 12 years of existence—as well as Senegal’s Auditor General, François Collin, who outlined the pivotal role and position of State Audit Offices (SAOs) in the framework of good governance and the fight against corruption. He also discussed the status and prerogatives of State Auditors, Controllers, and Inspectors, while emphasizing the unequivocal independence of SAOs.
Other presentations addressed criminal justice in the fight against corruption, the banking system, the fight against money laundering, and the financing of terrorism. The challenge posed to the security of African countries by activities stemming from the use of illicit funds sparked debate, and discussions focused on solutions to better counter it. Additionally, the challenges faced by SAIs in addressing mismanagement and the embezzlement of public funds were discussed.
