The Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) of Comoros has received ICT equipment and software worth over US$ 88,000 strengthen its capacity to
disrupt illicit financial networks. The equipment was procured through the COMESA Maritime Security (MASE) Programme.
Though the support, the country is also expected to strengthen domestic and international cooperation through improved sharing of
information to combat piracy, money laundering and enhance security in the region.
The Minister of Finance and Budget Hon. Said Ali Said Chayhane received the equipment and affirmed Comoros’ commitment to fight money
laundering and financing of terrorism. The Island country, which is now a full member of the West African Financial Action Task Force-Styled
Regional body known as GIABA has made great strides towards strengthening its Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Combating Financing of
Terrorism (CFT) regime.
Among notable developments in the recent past is the relocation of the FIU from the country’s Central Bank to attain operational independence
as required by the Financial Action Task Force. Hon. Chayhane described COMESA’s intervention as timely as it has helped in strengthening the
country’s AML/CFT regime.
“The ICT equipment support is timely as the country is about to recruit dedicated staff to operate the Unit,” he said.
Recently, , COMESA supported the Comoros FIU by hosting sensitization workshops and capacity building for different stakeholders including
analysts and law enforcement agencies. Comoros has also been supported to sign MoUs with other countries to facilitate information sharing.
At the handing over ceremony of the equipment, COMESA’s Head of Governance, Peace and Security Ms Elizabeth Mutunga gave a brief
overview of the MASE programme and its objectives while appreciating the European Union for itsr support to the programme.
Ahead of the handing over of the equipment, on 11 March 2020, , 50 delegates from various reporting entities and stakeholders in Anti-Money
Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism participated in a sensitization workshop on the operationalization of the country’s FIU.
Earlier in February this year, another 25 senior officials from law enforcement agencies were trained in investigation and asset recovery with
COMESA support which was delivered by the Basil Institute of Governance.
Minister of Interior, Information and Decentralization, Hon. Mohamed Daoudou and the Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs, Public Administration and Human Rights, Hon. Mohammed Housseini Djamalilali attended the ceremony. Also in attendance was the Governor of the Central Bank and a representative of the European Union Delegation to Comoros.