As part of the organization of the 9th meeting of the Steering Committee of the Forum of State General Inspectorates and Similar Institutions (FIGE), held at its headquarters in Djibouti on October 29, 2019, the General State Inspectorate of the Republic of Djibouti organized the 7th FIGE International Symposium on “The Fight Against Corruption: Prevention, Investigation, and Recovery of Illicit Assets” on October 29, 2019, at the Djibouti Palace Kempinski.
In addition to the State Audit Offices of the seven member countries of the Steering Committee—namely Angola, Côte d’Ivoire, Congo-Brazzaville, Djibouti, Madagascar, Mauritania, and Senegal—the symposium was attended by EAAACA member institutions from Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, South Sudan, and Somalia.
This major event brought together a panel of speakers from seven member countries of the FIGE Steering Committee and five East African countries—four of which are members of the East African Anti-Corruption Authorities Association (EAAACA)—to discuss and exchange best practices, cooperation among anti-corruption institutions, and their experiences with asset recovery—a key pillar in the fight against corruption. Participants will have the opportunity to share both the successes and the challenges and limitations encountered in the asset recovery process.
The Inspector General of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania and Chairman of the Fige Executive Committee, Mr. Saleck Sid Ahmed Baba, noted that “the oversight mission we carry out is a rewarding profession that is heavily dependent on the context in which it operates.” He added that “our organization is compelled to adapt to a constantly changing environment and continue its journey toward modernity and performance, so that it can achieve our common goals.”
Executive Secretary Mr. Hassan Issa Sultan, for his part, stated in essence: “This symposium aligns perfectly with the objectives of our 2019–2025 strategic plan, adopted at our association’s General Assembly in Mauritania in October 2018. It helps improve the performance and capacity for action of our member institutions by building the participants’ capacities. It also contributes to the development of knowledge regarding good governance, institutional, and organizational standards.”
He explained that this conference is intended to serve as a forum for sharing ideas that fosters the development of partnerships and strengthens synergies among FIGE members. “The conference will help promote and highlight best practices in good governance and anti-corruption efforts.” In this regard, it will help strengthen public confidence in our oversight institutions and also help disseminate best practices regarding public sector performance, good governance, and anti-corruption efforts through our advisory role with our respective governments.”
The symposium was followed by a training session on financial investigations and the tracing of illicit assets, designed for national practitioners from institutions involved in anti-corruption efforts and asset recovery.
