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Madagascar Members of Parliament now have a national platform to champion legislative reforms that will boost efforts to combat illicit financial flows (IFFs) and promote domestic resource mobilization in the country. This follows the launch of the African Parliamentary Network on Illicit Financial Flows and Taxation (APNIFFT), Madagascar National Caucus, on 19th May 2023.
The caucus, which was launched with the support of TJNA, brought together deputies, parliamentary officials, academics, and civil society organizations (CSOs) to embark on the journey of promoting tax justice and transparency to address the harmful impact of IFFs in Madagascar and the continent at large.
Speaking during the launch, the General Secretary of the National Assembly of Madagascar Hon Randriamahafanjary Calvin, Semphasized the importance of addressing illicit financial flows and taxation issues. He encouraged the members of parliament to prioritize policies aimed at curbing illicit financial activities.
“The people cannot directly exercise their oversight prerogatives; they delegate them to their representatives, namely the elected officials sitting in the National Assembly and the Senate. Therefore, with our primary mission of legislating, we also control the government's actions.” Hon Randriamahafanjary noted.
Député Rasolonjatovo Honoré, adding to the significance of the caucus launch, emphasized that the launch addresses the needs of Madagascar, as its contribution plays an essential role in the fight against illicit financial flows and taxation in the country. The caucus launch sets the stage for impending work, with crucial decisions to be made after that.
APNIFFT President Hon. Dr. Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala , noted that that the establishment of the Madagascar National Caucus marks the beginning of a transformative journey for tax justice and the fight against IFFs in Africa.
"As we gather here, let us recognize the urgency to formulate a unified approach to propel Madagascar and the continent towards a brighter future. This opportunity allows us to share knowledge and devise innovative solutions to enhance the well-being of our people," she elaborated.
Rodgers Kidiya, TJNA's policy officer and APNIFFT Coordinator, stressed the crucial role of national and continental cooperation in addressing illicit financial flows, underscoring their significance. By actively engaging in the fight against IFFs, MPs in Madagascar can exemplify their unwavering commitment to upholding good governance and transparency.
Hon Maminiaina Rabenirina, treasurer responsible for good governance and transparency of the National Assembly, highlighted notable efforts made by the Malagasy Government from 2004 to 2019 in the fight against illicit financial flows;
- In 2004, Madagascar adopted Law No. 2004-020 of August 19, 2004, on detection, confiscation, and international cooperation regarding proceeds of crime to strengthen the legal and institutional framework for combating money laundering. This law was reinforced by the creation of SAMIFIN in 2007, an administrative-type financial intelligence unit whose mission is to combat illicit financial flows related to money laundering, terrorism financing, economic and financial offenses, and organized crime.
- However, the establishment of this entity needed to be more satisfactory. It led to the adoption of Law No. 2016-020 of August 22, 2016, on the fight against corruption and Law No. 2016-021 of August 22, 2016, on Anti-Corruption Poles.
- Then, in 2019, Law No. 2018-043 of February 13, 2019, on the fight against money laundering and terrorism financing, and Law No. 2020-002 of July 15, 2019, ratifying Ordinance No. 2019-015 of July 5, 2019, on the recovery of illicit assets were adopted.
Hon Maminiana emphasized that the members of parliament should do more to spearhead a more robust and coordinated approach to combat illicit financial flows and promote tax justice in Madagascar.
During the launch, the Members of Parliament selected Hon. Raconteur Tam to lead the APNIFFT Madagascar National.
APNIFFT is a flagship program under the coordination of TJNA, with the overarching objective of providing a platform for African legislators. This platform aims to foster strategic discussions, knowledge exchange, and capacity-building initiatives geared explicitly toward tackling illicit financial flows and tax injustice in Africa.
For further information about APNIFFT and its various initiatives, interested parties are encouraged to contact Rodgers Kidiya at rkidiya(@)taxjusticeafrica.net.