East African nations urged to collaborate on recovering illicit wealth

Addis Ababa, May 1, 2024 (FBC) – East African countries have been called upon to establish a coordinated system to reclaim misappropriated assets and jointly address related criminal activities.

The nations of East Africa joined forces to work in unison towards the recovery of illicit and stolen wealth, as well as to tackle associated crimes.

General Zelalem Mengstie, Deputy Commissioner of the Ethiopian Federal Police Commission’s Criminal Investigation Department, who was present at the regional gathering, stated that the scourge of corruption is impeding Ethiopia’s development.

He emphasized that if the countries fail to collaborate in addressing the cross-border and global problem of corruption, the consequences will be significant.

Gen. Zelalem underscored the importance for East African nations to create a coordinated framework to prevent corrupt practices and establish agreements to recover stolen wealth and tackle related criminal offenses.

He further stated that the coordination of domestic institutions is crucial for the effective implementation of such agreements.

The Deputy Commissioner also noted that his country will continue to strengthen the exchange of experiences and information with other nations and institutions, according to a social media post by the Federal Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission.

15th East African Association of Anti-Corruption Authorities (EAAACA) Annual General Meeting, slated to commence on May 2, is expected to bring together high-level officials of various institutions, including the current Chair of the African Union.