The Democratic Republic of Congo has been removed from the grey list of the Financial Action Group (Gafi), a significant achievement that rewards four years of efforts to strengthen its anti-money laundering and terrorism financing framework. According to Unis, a pan-African anti-corruption network, this progress must lead to judicial prosecutions, confiscation of diverted assets, and restitution of public funds. The challenge begins now, after international recognition.
The Gafi decision, taken in Paris, was welcomed by Unis in a statement released on October 31, 2026. The organization saluted an institutional victory, achieved after executing a 23-measure action plan, followed by ten progress reports, and validated by a Gafi evaluation mission in September. Several institutions contributed to this performance, including Cenaref, the Central Bank of Congo, regulatory authorities, investigation services, and magistrates.
Congo's removal from the grey list, to which it was added in October 2022, has significant economic implications. The move is expected to improve confidence among financial partners, facilitate relationships with correspondent banks, and potentially reduce the cost of international transactions. However, Unis emphasizes that institutional compliance is not enough; effective judicial action is required to tackle corruption and money laundering.
Unis points out that several high-profile cases of public funds diversion and money laundering, revealed by international investigations like Congo Hold-Up, lack sufficient judicial follow-up. The organization warns that this situation may allow predation networks to thrive, particularly with increased investments in the Congolese mining sector. Unis urges authorities to take judicial action, including against politically exposed individuals.
To achieve this, Unis recommends transparency in the register of beneficial owners, strengthening the independence of Cenaref, adopting legislation protecting whistleblowers, and establishing a more robust anti-corruption framework. The organization also prioritizes tracing minerals and combating the financing of armed groups in the East. For Jimmy Kande, Unis president, the challenge goes beyond international recognition.
Kande emphasizes that having the right texts and institutions is not enough; stolen money must be tracked, seized, and returned, and those responsible must be held accountable. The removal from the grey list is a significant achievement for the Democratic Republic of Congo's financial credibility, but its consolidation depends on the ability of institutions to translate regulatory commitments into judicial sanctions.
Ultimately, recovering diverted funds and sanctioning culprits will be the true test of the state's credibility. Unis' call for intensified anti-corruption efforts aims to ensure that Congo's progress is not limited to a diplomatic and financial victory, but also leads to tangible results in the fight against corruption and money laundering.
Key points
- The Democratic Republic of Congo has been removed from the Gafi grey list after executing a 23-measure action plan.
- Unis urges the Congolese authorities to take judicial action against corruption and money laundering.
- The organization recommends strengthening the independence of Cenaref and adopting legislation protecting whistleblowers.
