By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
MONROVIA – The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Liberia Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at strengthening collaboration in the fight against corruption and promoting transparency in Liberia.
The agreement, signed on Monday in Monrovia by Mr. Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, and Cllr. Edwin Kla Martins, Chairman of AREPT, sets the stage for joint initiatives to raise public awareness on asset recovery and encourage citizen engagement in anti-corruption efforts.
Under the MOU, CEMESP will lead a nationwide public awareness campaign, organizing town hall meetings and radio talk shows across Nimba, Bong, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa Counties.
These forums will serve as platforms for dialogue between the public and experts on the recovery of stolen public assets and the broader implications for governance and development.
In addition, CEMESP will develop and air radio messages to promote AREPT’s work and create policy briefs based on community discussions to inform national advocacy strategies. AREPT, in turn, will provide technical experts to participate in these outreach activities and collaborate in crafting content to ensure accuracy and relevance.
The partnership is supported by funding from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), as part of its 2025 thematic window on “Asset Recovery & Social Accountability.” The initiative is aligned with international standards under the Financial Action Task Force’s Recommendation 4, which urges member states to implement effective measures for the confiscation and recovery of illicit assets.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Joseph underscored the importance of public participation in holding leaders accountable. “This partnership represents a proactive step in empowering citizens with the knowledge they need to demand responsible governance and support the recovery of Liberia’s stolen assets,” he said.
Cllr. Martins echoed this sentiment, stating, “By partnering with CEMESP, we are ensuring that our message reaches the grassroots. Our technicians will be available to explain our work, and together we will build public trust in Liberia’s asset recovery process.”
The MOU marks a significant step forward in Liberia’s fight against corruption, highlighting a shared commitment to justice, transparency, and citizen-driven accountability.
