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Gambian financial economist Mam Cherno Jallow has assumed office as Director-General of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), beginning a four-year term at the regional institution.
Jallow’s tenure officially commenced on September 1, 2026, following his appointment by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government at its 69th Ordinary Session in Lungi, Sierra Leone, on July 19.
ECOWAS announced Jallow’s assumption of office in a statement on Thursday, describing the appointment as a new milestone in the institution’s history and a reflection of ECOWAS’ commitment to strengthening regional mechanisms to prevent and combat financial crime.
Jallow succeeds Liberian Edwin W. Harris Jr. as head of the ECOWAS institution.
GIABA is West Africa’s regional body for combating money laundering, terrorist financing and proliferation financing.
Established as a specialised ECOWAS institution in 2000, it also functions as a Financial Action Task Force-style regional body, working with member states to strengthen compliance with international standards on financial crime.
The institution facilitates the adoption and implementation of anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist-financing measures, including strengthening member states’ capacity and supporting the establishment and effectiveness of Financial Intelligence Units.
Jallow brings extensive experience within the ECOWAS system to the position.
He previously served at GIABA as Head of Strategic Planning and Resource Mobilisation before becoming Acting Director of Administration and Finance.
GIABA’s work includes mutual evaluations of member states’ anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist-financing frameworks, technical assistance and capacity building, making its leadership particularly important as the region works to improve compliance with international financial crime standards.
His assumption of office marks the start of a new leadership phase for GIABA as the institution seeks to strengthen West Africa’s collective response to money laundering, terrorist financing, and other forms of financial crime.
MR. MAM CHERNO JALLOW ASSUMED OFFICE AS DIRECTOR GENERAL OF GIABA
The Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) is pleased to announce that Mr. Mam Cherno JALLOW has assumed the position of Executive Director of the Institution, effective… pic.twitter.com/ZmIRVuyF1Y
— Ecowas – Cedeao (@ecowas_cedeao) September 3, 2026
