West African youth made their voices heard on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University in Abidjan. Under the auspices of GIABA (Intergovernmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa), the 6th edition of the oratory competition celebrated Beninese excellence.

Benin on the top step of the podium

After a high-level competition, Jean Silas Etienne Hounkpatin, a student from Benin, emerged victorious. With a score of 243 points , he impressed the jury with his mastery of the subject and his eloquence. As a reward for his performance, the winner received:

1. A prestigious trophy;
2. A laptop computer;
3. An envelope containing $1,000 .

The overall ranking then highlighted the representatives of Ivory Coast (2nd), Cape Verde (3rd), Togo (4th), Guinea-Bissau (5th) and Guinea.

Youth: a bulwark against financial crime

This year's theme, "The fight against money laundering and the financing of terrorism: what are the challenges for young people?" , underlines GIABA's ambition to transform students into true ambassadors of integrity.

Ms. Fathma Diarre Mahan (ECOWAS) and Mr. Timothy Melaye (representing the Director General of GIABA) reiterated that these scourges directly threaten regional stability. For the authorities present, involving the academic community is not merely an option, but a strategic lever for establishing a culture of civic responsibility within ECOWAS.

A collective and cross-border struggle

Professor Arsène Kobéa, representing the Ivorian Ministry of Higher Education, stressed the need for anticipation:

"The fight against money laundering cannot be waged in isolation. It requires concerted action from the countries of the sub-region."

This competition not only raises awareness but also improves the financial image of member states, thereby facilitating their access to international financing. In this regard, the major reforms undertaken by Côte d'Ivoire to secure its financial system were commended at the event's closing.