The Center for Media Studies and Peacebuilding (CEMESP) and the Liberia Asset Recovery and Property Retrieval Taskforce (AREPT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to enhance public engagement and awareness around asset recovery and the fight against impunity in Liberia.
The MOU, signed on Monday, May 19, 2025, in Monrovia, formalizes a partnership aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the recovery and management of stolen public assets. Signing on behalf of CEMESP was Executive Director Mr. Malcolm Joseph, while Cllr. Edwin Kla Martins, Chairman of AREPT, signed on behalf of the Taskforce.
Under the agreement, CEMESP will lead the organization of town hall meetings and radio talk shows across Nimba, Bong, Montserrado, and Grand Bassa Counties. These platforms are intended to educate citizens about AREPT’s initiatives, stimulate dialogue on anti-corruption efforts, and underscore the benefits of reclaiming misappropriated public resources.
CEMESP will also produce and air targeted radio messages promoting AREPT’s work, while developing policy briefs from the town hall discussions to inform and support wider advocacy efforts.
In support of these initiatives, AREPT will provide technical experts to participate as speakers in both the town hall meetings and radio programs. The Taskforce will also collaborate with CEMESP to develop and refine public messaging on asset recovery and related governance topics.
All expenses related to the joint activities will be covered by CEMESP through its current grant from the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). The grant falls under GIABA’s 2025 thematic focus on “Asset Recovery & Social Accountability,” aligning with Recommendation 4 of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) on confiscation and provisional measures.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Joseph emphasized the role of public awareness in advancing accountability.
“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 stated.
Cllr. Martins welcomed the collaboration, highlighting the importance of public involvement in AREPT’s success.
“By partnering with CEMESP, we are ensuring our message reaches the grassroots. Our experts will be available to explain our work, and together we will strengthen public trust in Liberia’s asset recovery process,” he said.
The signing of the MOU marks a significant milestone in the fight against corruption and reaffirms the shared commitment to justice and good governance in Liberia.
