In Monrovia, Liberia, on May 19, 2025, the Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Liberia Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) formalized a collaborative partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This agreement signifies a concerted effort to combat impunity and enhance public awareness regarding the retrieval and responsible management of stolen public assets in Liberia. The partnership leverages CEMESP’s expertise in media engagement and public outreach and AREPT’s specialized knowledge in asset recovery to create a synergistic approach towards promoting transparency and accountability within the Liberian government.
The core objective of the MOU is to establish a robust framework for collaboration between CEMESP and AREPT. This framework outlines specific activities and responsibilities for each organization, ensuring a coordinated and impactful approach to public awareness campaigns. CEMESP will spearhead the organization of town hall meetings and radio talk shows across four key counties: Nimba, Bong, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa. These platforms will serve as vital channels for disseminating information about AREPT’s initiatives, fostering open dialogue on anti-corruption efforts, and emphasizing the societal benefits of recovering misappropriated public resources. These engagements aim to empower citizens with the knowledge and understanding necessary to hold their government accountable and actively participate in the asset recovery process.
Beyond direct public engagement, CEMESP will also leverage the power of radio broadcasting to amplify AREPT’s message. They will produce and air radio messages designed to promote the Taskforce’s work and objectives, ensuring wider reach and accessibility of information. Furthermore, CEMESP will synthesize the valuable insights gathered from town hall discussions into policy briefs. These briefs will serve as evidence-based advocacy tools, informing policy recommendations and contributing to broader efforts to strengthen anti-corruption mechanisms in Liberia. This multi-pronged approach aims to create a sustained and impactful public awareness campaign that resonates with diverse segments of the Liberian population.
AREPT’s role in this partnership is equally crucial. The Taskforce will actively participate in CEMESP’s awareness activities by providing technical experts to serve as speakers at town hall meetings and radio programs. This direct involvement ensures that the information shared with the public is accurate, comprehensive, and directly addresses citizens’ concerns. AREPT will also collaborate with CEMESP in developing the content of radio messages, ensuring that the messaging is clear, concise, and effectively communicates the complexities of asset recovery to a broad audience. This collaborative approach to content creation ensures that the public receives accurate and accessible information about AREPT’s work and the broader context of asset recovery efforts.
The financial resources for this collaborative initiative are provided by a grant from the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), a regional watchdog focused on combating money laundering and terrorist financing. This grant falls under GIABA’s 2025 thematic window on “Asset Recovery & Social Accountability,” which aims to encourage member states to implement the Financial Action Task Force’s Recommendation 4 on confiscation and provisional measures. This funding underscores the regional and international importance of asset recovery in West Africa and highlights Liberia’s commitment to strengthening its anti-corruption framework.
The leadership of both organizations expressed their strong commitment to the partnership. Mr. Malcolm Joseph, Executive Director of CEMESP, emphasized the pivotal role of public engagement in driving accountability and fostering responsible governance. He views the partnership as a proactive step towards empowering citizens with the information and knowledge they need to actively support asset recovery efforts. Cllr. Edwin Kla Martins, Chairman of AREPT, highlighted the importance of grassroots engagement and public trust in the success of the Taskforce’s mission. He expressed confidence that the collaboration with CEMESP will effectively communicate AREPT’s work to the public, fostering greater understanding and support for the asset recovery process. This partnership symbolizes a unified stance against corruption and marks a significant step towards promoting justice, transparency, and good governance in Liberia. The MOU signing represents not only a formal agreement but also a shared vision for a more accountable and transparent Liberia, where stolen public assets are recovered and utilized for the benefit of all citizens.
