Liberia Joins Continental Effort to Reclaim Africa’s Stolen Wealth

The Liberia Anti-Corruption Commission (LACC) proudly announces its participation in the inaugural African Asset Recovery Practitioners Forum (AARP), held from April 15–17, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. Representing Liberia, Vice Executive Chairperson Mr. Ernest R. Hughes joined anti-corruption leaders from 31 African countries in signing the AARP Charter—an operational framework designed to strengthen the implementation of the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR).

CAPAR is a strategic African Union policy that guides the detection, recovery, return, and management of illicitly removed assets from the continent. It emphasizes cooperation among African states and international partners to ensure that stolen resources are repatriated and used for the development of African nations . 

During the forum, Mr. Hughes reaffirmed Liberia’s commitment to combating corruption and emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in asset recovery. He highlighted the need for transparency and accountability in managing repatriated assets to ensure they benefit the Liberian people.

The AARP Forum, under the theme “Supporting Efforts of African Union Member States to Effectively Implement the Common African Position on Asset Recovery (CAPAR),” brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption (AUABC), the African Development Bank (AfDB), the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), and various civil society organizations.

This historic gathering marks a significant step toward unified action against illicit financial flows and the recovery of Africa’s stolen assets. The LACC remains steadfast in its mission to uphold integrity, promote good governance, and ensure that Liberia plays an active role in continental anti-corruption initiatives.