Ministry of Foreign Affairs Strengthens the Capacity of Côte d’Ivoire’s Diplomatic Corps on FATF-Related Challenges

On Thursday, June 25, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and with financial support from the Government of the United States of America, organized a capacity-building workshop for Côte d’Ivoire’s diplomatic corps on the country’s monitoring process by the International Cooperation Review Group (ICRG) of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

The opening ceremony was chaired by H.E. Yapi Koffi Evariste, Secretary General of the Ministry, representing the Minister of State, H.E. Mrs. Nialé Kaba.

The speakers delivered a common message highlighting the importance of strengthening the diplomatic corps’ understanding of FATF-related issues.

H.E. Ahounan Koidiane Noël, Director of Global Issues, emphasized the need to regularly train Ministry officials on FATF requirements, stressing that the active involvement of the diplomatic corps is an essential component of the country's compliance process.

For his part, Mr. Abbas Daher Djama, Representative of UNODC, recalled that compliance with international standards on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism is not only a technical obligation but also a matter of sound national governance. While welcoming the progress achieved since the adoption of Côte d’Ivoire’s action plan in 2023, he noted that further efforts are still needed in the areas of risk-based supervision and international cooperation. He also underscored the strategic role of diplomats as the country's foremost ambassadors in promoting Côte d’Ivoire’s reform efforts abroad.

H.E. Yapi Koffi Evariste reviewed the history of the process, beginning with the mutual evaluation conducted in June 2013, and highlighted its broader political significance. He stressed that Côte d’Ivoire’s removal from the FATF grey list is essential to strengthening the country’s credibility and international reputation, noting that continued listing directly affects the country's economic attractiveness and global standing.

At the conclusion of the workshop, participants reaffirmed the Ministry’s determination to equip every Ivorian diplomat with the knowledge and tools necessary to effectively advocate for Côte d’Ivoire on the international stage, transforming compliance with international standards into a lasting driver of institutional strengthening and sustainable development.