The International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law (IIJ), through its Academic Unit, launched this week the online component of the fourth edition of its Counter-Terrorism Academic Curriculum on Countering the Financing of Terrorism (FIN CTAC). The programme is dedicated to French-speaking criminal justice practitioners from Benin, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Mauritania, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Chad and Togo, and is delivered with the generous support of the Federal Republic of Germany.
At the opening of the programme, Naoufel Gaied, Executive Secretary of the IIJ, emphasised the importance of cross-border cooperation:
"Terrorism, and particularly its financing, does not stop at national borders […]. Neither should your cooperation. The professional relationships you develop […] can become valuable tools in your day-to-day work."
Building on its experience in developing and delivering specialised capacity-building programmes, the IIJ Academic Unit designed and coordinates this programme to strengthen the skills of investigators, prosecutors, financial intelligence analysts and investigating judges in investigating terrorist financing, disrupting illicit financial flows and pursuing those involved.
The programme attracted 102 applications from experienced justice practitioners. Following a competitive selection process led by the Academic Unit, 31 participants were selected for the online component, with only 25 expected to progress to the in-person phase, subject to successful completion.
The programme combines online learning with intensive, practical training to examine key terrorist financing trends and methods in West and Central Africa, including informal financial channels, cross-border cash movements, virtual assets and links with organised crime. Through interactive sessions, case studies and practical simulations, participants will strengthen their investigative, prosecutorial and inter-agency cooperation skills, while fostering professional exchanges and regional cooperation networks in line with human rights and the rule of law.
This fourth edition also reflects the dedication and sustained efforts of the entire IIJ Academic Unit team, whose work in designing, coordinating and delivering the programme contributes to ensuring the quality and relevance of the training for practitioners across the region.