Get Guardian on GoogleThe Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has decided to remove Côte d’Ivoire from its list of jurisdictions under increased monitoring, commonly known as the “grey list,” following its plenary meeting at the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) headquarters in Paris.
The FATF announced the decision in an official public statement on its website, stating that the decision reflects the significant progress the country has made in implementing institutional, legislative, regulatory and operational reforms to bring its framework for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing (AML/CFT/CPF) into line with international standards.
Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Economy, Finance and Budget, Adama Coulibaly, in a statement, said the FATF’s decision is an international recognition of the progress achieved through reforms undertaken under the authority of the country’s president, Mr Alassane Ouattara and the coordination of the Vice-President.
The minister added that the FATF’s decision also demonstrates the ability of Côte d’Ivoire’s public administration and private sector to work together on matters of national importance.
Coulibaly stated that their collaboration has been instrumental in addressing key challenges relating to the country’s credibility and standing on the international stage.
The minister said the government of Côte d’Ivoire welcomes this important achievement and expresses its appreciation to the FATF, GIABA and the country’s technical and financial partners for their valuable assistance and support.
According to the minister, their contribution helped ensure the effective implementation of Côte d’Ivoire’s action plan within a carefully managed timeframe.
Coulibaly emphasised that the government recognises that removal from the “grey list” further strengthens Côte d’Ivoire’s international credibility.
The minister, however, noted that this achievement should be viewed above all as a call to maintain the momentum of reform and to consolidate the progress made on a sustainable basis.
Coulibaly assured that the government will continue its efforts to ensure the long-term effectiveness of the national framework for combating financial crime.
Coulibaly further expressed gratitude to the President, whose leadership, strategic vision and guidance have shaped the reforms that made this major achievement possible.
“This achievement is a source of pride for our country and reflects the government’s sustained efforts to adopt the necessary reforms and ensure their effective implementation. I extend my sincere thanks to the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister and all members of the Government for their effective leadership and oversight, and for the priority attention given to monitoring the action plan.
“I also thank the presidents of the various institutions and the heads of national and sub-regional institutions for their steadfast commitment and decisive contribution to the successful implementation of the reforms and operational measures,” the Minister stated.
The minister further commend all the technical teams across the public administration and private sector, including members of the liberal professions, for their sustained commitment, mobilisation and strong sense of public duty.
