The Minister’s Meeting as part of the Twelfth Plenary Meeting of the Network of Central Authorities and Prosecutors of West Africa (WACAP) Statement by Ms. Seraphine Wakana

Attorney General & Minister of Justice,

Ministers representing various west African countries,

Distinguished ladies and Gentlemen,

UN Colleagues,

All protocols respectfully observed.

Good morning to you all and welcome to the smiling coast of Africa.

I am honored to address this esteemed gathering as the UN Resident Coordinator in The Gambia, representing the United Nations system in our collective pursuit of justice, rule of law, and regional cooperation in West Africa. On behalf of the United Nations, I extend our gratitude to the Network of Central Authorities and Prosecutors of West Africa (WACAP) for organizing this crucial Twelfth Plenary Meeting, providing a valuable platform for dialogue and collaboration among member states.

As the head of the UN system in The Gambia, it gives me great pride to be stood among a high-level representation from each of the 15 ECOWAS member states plus Chad and Mauritania to dialogue and offer solutions and strengthen partnerships to enhance regional cooperation towards rule of law, security, and stability.

First and foremost, I commend the progress made by WACAP in strengthening cooperation and coordination among Central Authorities and Prosecutors across West Africa. Your efforts have been instrumental in enhancing the effectiveness of criminal justice systems, promoting cross-border information exchange, and combating transnational organized crime. We recognize the shared responsibility we all have in ensuring justice and accountability for our respective nations and the region as a whole.

However, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges that persist in our collective pursuit of justice and the rule of law. Issues such as corruption, money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorism, and cybercrime continue to pose serious threats to peace, security, and development in our region. These transnational crimes demand a comprehensive, collaborative response that goes beyond national borders. Our collective efforts must be unwavering, and we must adopt a holistic approach to address these challenges effectively.

Partnership, collaboration, and cooperation at all levels is one of the many strategies that the UN employs to maximize resources for optimal results.   This one-day meeting provides a unique opportunity for ECOWAS states to review regional cooperation to identify successes as well as challenges for more effective cross-border cooperation, especially in the fight against current and emerging challenges to peace and stability in the region.

The Gambia’s transitional justice processes has revealed that weak institutions, scant regard for rule of law and human rights were some of the causes blocking developments over the last two decades. The UN has been working closely with the Government of The Gambia as well as civil society and other development partners to support reforms especially in the security and justice sector.

The Network of Central Authorities and Prosecutors of West Africa (WACAP) which UNODC supported in establishing in 2013, of which The Gambia is an active member and has benefited from numerous capacity-building including on the implementation of regional and international legal instruments relating to corruption, drug trafficking, organized crime, and international cooperation in criminal matters.  Through the network, justice actors and institutions in The Gambia have built connections both formal and informal with counterparts within the ECOWAS region for the timely exchange of information and intelligence.

Today’s event, therefore, provides the platform for the UN to renew its commitment and support to not only The Gambia’s national development agenda but also to regional initiatives that aim to bolster peace, security, stability, and development within the region.  It is our belief that each of the sustainable development goals is directly linked to achieving human rights and the rule of law, addressing national and transnational crimes and challenges to security lie at the heart of this.  We must therefore not relent in our efforts to create and strengthen platforms to collaborate. 

I therefore call on development partners here present to support the Network which has clearly demonstrated not only the benefits of building national capacities to combat serious crimes but also strengthening regional cooperation to defeat complex criminal networks. Together, we can overcome the complex challenges we face and create a safer, more just West Africa. The United Nations remains steadfast in its support, and I am confident that this Twelfth Plenary Meeting will serve as a catalyst for renewed collaboration, innovation, and progress.

I would again like to commend the Ministry of Justice for hosting this high-level gathering and thank UNODC as well as the European Union, Federal Republic of Germany/ GIZ, ECOWAS and all the other stakeholders who have in one way or the other supported this important gathering of Ministers.

Thank you for your kind attention.