The session forms an integral component of the CSO’s work especially in ensuring Fiscal Transparency, Anti-Corruption and Access to Information and Research.
Addressing the gathering, Alassan Sowe, Assistant Program Officer, Gambia Participate, reminded that prior to the event, they’ve conducted a regional tour, where they met with communities to engage them on illicit financial flow and asset recovery.
“Because from Gambia Participate, we believe that there are no laws that stipulate ways in which we should have a successful asset recovery.” he said.
He added that they understand that the country emerged from a 22- year dictatorship. After the regime, there was a general commission where people came over to testify. And then there were evidences that there were a lot of properties and products, which was believed to be illegally taken by the former president.”
This, he said, is the reason why they convened the training so as to enlighten the society, adding that not only the institutions, the police or any other anti-budget institution, but also the grassroots from the community level for them to understand the concept of illicit financial flow and asset recovery.”
Mr Sowe, explained that when they started, they were made to understand that many people understand there is rampant corruption in the government and there were assets that were left by the government.
However, he maintained that they had no clue how those assets were auctioned.
“But through trainings, we were made to understand that there were assets and there were auctions. Thus, there were no laws that guide the recovery of those assets. So we made them understand these are the steps, to asset recovery.”
“After this training, we expect these institutions and law enforcement agencies to use the investigative and interview techniques learned into use in the national recovery its asset.”
Speaking to Ela (not her real name) a participant, said she expects to have a better understanding on asset recovery, and to be able to understand and enhance her knowledge on it more.
“To also help build my capacity on fighting against corruption, and also advocating for things like corruption and money evasion in the country.”
