Nairobi, Kenya – April 16, 2025 – The African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARP) has called for urgent collaboration among African nations to tackle resource theft.
Specifically, it emphasized creating a clear roadmap to recover stolen assets continent-wide.
This demand arose during the Forum’s inaugural meeting, which began on April 15, 2025, in Nairobi.
Under the theme “Supporting AU Member States to Implement CAPAR,” the Forum stressed collective action. Mr. Abdi Mohamud, CEO of Kenya’s Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC), challenged Africa’s narrative on resource theft. He argued that while Africa suffers from theft, it must also confront its own complicity.
Furthermore, Mohamud criticized the imbalance in global scrutiny. He noted that African nations often face sanctions, while theft-originating countries evade accountability. Additionally, he urged better management of repatriated assets and stricter checks on officials’ unexplained wealth.
Hon. Seynabou Diakhate Ndiaye, Chair of the AU Anti-Corruption Board, hailed the Forum as a turning point. She reaffirmed its dedication to enforcing the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR). Similarly, Dr. Musa Aliyu, Nigeria’s ICPC Chairman, warned that illicit financial flows destabilize Africa’s economy.
A key milestone was the signing of the AARP Charter, uniting 31 nations’ anti-graft agencies. Notably, Nigeria’s EFCC and ICPC endorsed this framework. The charter symbolizes a shared commitment to combat corruption systematically.
The three-day event, ending April 17, includes stakeholders like the African Development Bank and UNODC. Aisha Mohammed of EFCC represented Chairman Ola Olukoyede, highlighting Nigeria’s engagement. As discussions continue, the Forum aims to translate resolve into concrete recovery mechanisms.
Ultimately, the Forum seeks actionable strategies to curb theft and corruption. With unified efforts, Africa hopes to reclaim its resources and strengthen governance. The outcomes could mark a pivotal shift in the continent’s fight for transparency and justice.
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