Forensic investigation experts from over 10 countries have converged in the Capital city of Cameroon, Yaounde to exchange ideas on the new phase of forensic investigations to better humanity.
The conference which was opened by the representative of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute Tuesday, July 19, 2022, saw representatives are drawn from India, Ghana, South Africa, Kenya, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, Zambia, and Botswana begin discussions at the conference with their interest being to improve forensic actions in the fight against Corruption and other financial crimes.
The conference which is in its 7th edition has as its theme a "new perspective in forensic in the fight against Corruption, cyber terrorism and financial crimes in countries".
According to experts, it is a very important endeavor for the participating nations and the globe at large.
Host country Director, Dr. Mathias Mokube used Tuesday's opening to highlight what it has taken them to get to this level. In his words,
"since the renewal of the local executive of the International Institute of Certified Forensic Investigation Professionals( IICFIP) in Cameroon, my team has worked tirelessly to bring awareness about the institution, expand membership, and set up an office here in Yaounde".
He went on to say, "it goes without saying that we have put in the time and effort to make this conference a reality, this despite all adversity and naysaying".
The representative of the Head of Government, Okono Serge underlined the efforts put in place by the government to put an end to corruption and financial crimes in the country. He mentioned that all these measures have greatly reduced the rate of corruption in the country.
"The President of the Republic His Excellency President Paul Biya in his end-of-year speech on December 31st said we must enhance public finance management by fighting against Corruption and embezzlement of public funds. Some steps Cameroon has taken to address some of these issues include; the ratification of a significant legal framework in the fight against Corruption, cyber terrorism, and criminality. The creation of several state agencies like CONAC, the national agency for financial investigation, the telecommunication regulatory board, the creation of the special criminal court and an audit bench of the Supreme Court, and the gradual implementation of an E-government to dematerialize administrative procedures." He stated amongst other measures to fight against financial crimes in the nation.
According to the US Ambassador to Cameroon John Lamora, the fight is a global concern and there is a need for all nations to come together and ensure its effectiveness. "Improving governance lays the groundwork for a bright future which is a key reason why our President Joe Biden recently launched a serious fight against Corruption as a national security priority. The US representative in countries work hand in hand with government institutions and NGO to enhance decentralization and fight against cyber criminality and financial crimes". He stated.
While citing the devastating effects of corruption on an economy, the Zambian Director of Drugs, Mary China mentioned that over 2 billion dollars are lost due to corruption globally. "The conference provides an opportunity for the step-up of the fight against this vice that is eating up the fabrics of the global economy".
She added that " the conference provides an opportunity for participants to savour over 20 practical sessions on a wide range of forensic topics, problem-based practices and an opportunity to develop valuable contacts to enable participating countries to fight fraud in all its forms".
The conference which started on the 19th will run till the 21st of July 2022.
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