DRC Urged to Safeguard Achievements After Removal from FATF Grey List

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Prime Minister, Judith Suminwa, has emphasized the need for the government to continue implementing reforms to consolidate the country's achievements following its removal from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list. According to a report read out on national television, Suminwa commended the personal commitment of President Tshisekedi to strengthening financial governance and combating money laundering. The FATF grey list removal was made possible by the involvement of various ministries and agencies.

The Ministries of Justice and Finance, as well as the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF), played a crucial role in the country's removal from the FATF grey list. Suminwa stressed that each minister concerned must ensure the effective implementation of measures falling within their respective areas of responsibility. The Prime Minister also highlighted the importance of continuity of monitoring activities and stronger cooperation among the relevant agencies to prevent financial crime.

The government views this progress as an opportunity to sustainably strengthen the national framework for preventing financial crime. Suminwa pointed out that the government aims to implement a permanent and sustainable national policy to achieve this goal. The Prime Minister intends to convene a strategic coordination meeting involving various ministers and agencies, including the Minister of State, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Central Bank of Congo.

The strategic coordination meeting will focus on ensuring the effective implementation of measures to prevent financial crime. The meeting will involve the Minister of State, Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals, the Minister of Finance, and the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF). The Central Bank of Congo will also participate in the meeting to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation and coordination among relevant agencies.

Yolande Elebe, Minister in charge of Culture, reported that Suminwa commended the relevant agencies for their role in the country's removal from the FATF grey list. The Minister highlighted the importance of sustaining the progress made so far and ensuring that the country's achievements are consolidated. The government is committed to continuing reforms to prevent financial crime and strengthen financial governance.

The FATF grey list removal is a significant achievement for the DRC, demonstrating the country's commitment to combating money laundering and financial crime. Suminwa's emphasis on continuing reforms and strengthening cooperation among agencies reflects the government's determination to sustain this progress. The strategic coordination meeting will provide a platform for relevant agencies to discuss ways to build on the country's achievements.

The DRC's removal from the FATF grey list is an opportunity for the country to strengthen its financial governance and prevent financial crime. The government's commitment to implementing a permanent and sustainable national policy will help to consolidate the country's achievements and ensure that progress is sustained. The country's progress will be closely monitored by the FATF and other international organizations.

Key points

• The DRC was removed from the FATF grey list due to its commitment to combating money laundering and financial crime.
• The country's progress was made possible by the involvement of various ministries and agencies, including the Ministries of Justice and Finance and the National Financial Intelligence Unit (CENAREF).
• The government aims to implement a permanent and sustainable national policy to prevent financial crime and strengthen financial governance.