NAIROBI, Kenya — Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud has called on African countries to strengthen regional cooperation in combating corruption and financial crimes in the fisheries sector through joint investigations and coordinated asset recovery efforts.
Speaking on Tuesday during the opening of the Regional Conference on Addressing Corruption and Financial Crimes in the Fisheries Sector in Nairobi, Mohamud said cross-border collaboration is essential to dismantling corruption networks, tracing illicit assets and protecting the region’s blue economy.
He urged African governments and anti-corruption agencies to establish formal mechanisms for joint investigations and cooperation to address crimes that transcend national borders.
“The sustainability of our fisheries depends not only on how we manage our natural resources, but also on how effectively we uphold integrity, transparency, and accountability,” Mohamud said.
Focus on asset recovery
Mohamud reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to tracing and recovering proceeds of corruption, saying the EACC would continue championing regional collaboration in identifying, seizing and forfeiting assets linked to corruption in the fisheries sector.
He noted that stronger partnerships between enforcement agencies would enhance efforts to combat illicit financial flows while safeguarding public resources and promoting sustainable management of marine resources.
The three-day conference is being held under the theme “Enhancing Cooperation, Data Use and Operational Responses.”
The meeting has been convened by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) under the FishNET II Project with support from the Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation (NORAD).
It has brought together representatives from government agencies, anti-corruption commissions, law enforcement bodies and delegates from several African countries, including Seychelles, South Africa, Tanzania and Namibia.
Regional collaboration
Illicit Finance Fusion Centre for Africa Coordinator Kodjo Atisso said the conference provides a platform for participants to exchange experiences, strengthen regional cooperation and improve financial investigations aimed at promoting integrity and accountability in the fisheries sector.
Meanwhile, Regional Commercial Affairs Counsellor at the Royal Norwegian Embassy, Marta Gjørtz, reaffirmed Norway’s support for UNODC and other development partners working to strengthen regional efforts against corruption and financial crime.