The Tanzania Human Rights Defenders Coalition (THRDC) was pleased to participate in the Sub-Saharan Regional Conference on Countering the Financing of Terrorism (CFT) while Safeguarding Civic Space in Sub-Saharan Africa. The conference took place from August 5-6, 2024, at the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, and brought together a diverse group of delegates from across Africa.
Organized by the Defenders Protection Initiative and supported by the Civic Advisory Hub, Haki Africa, Vocal Africa, and Spaces for Change, the conference aimed to implement CFT measures while protecting civic space. Attendees included representatives from not-for-profit organizations, academia, Financial Intelligence Units, NGO regulators, Financial Action Task Force Regional Style Bodies, and African Regional Economic Communities.
THRDC's National Coordinator, Adv. Onesmo Olengurumwa, shared their experience of having THRDC’s accounts frozen in 2020 under the pretext of counter-terrorism. This highlighted the ongoing issue of authorities misusing CFT measures to silence civil society organizations advocating for human rights and good governance.
"They are putting us in situations where we are likely to be misused. We have seen civil society organizations' bank accounts being closed in Tanzania and Uganda. We have been harassed by systems that were introduced with good intentions, but some authorities use them to silence civil society organizations that fight for human rights, good governance, corruption, and similar issues," said Olengurumwa.
Olengurumwa emphasized that financial institutions such as banks, should implement the FATF de-risking approach in alignment with human rights and risk-based approaches. 
He also suggested that financial institutions collaborate with non-profit organizations on FATF-related issues and financial regulation compliance.
Participants provided recommendations for financial institutions to ensure they do not harm civic space, even when restrictive laws are used to control civic engagement. Banks and other financial institutions were involved to establish a common platform that respects the rights of civil society organizations in their financial transactions.
The conference highlighted that a crucial method to combat the financing of terrorist activities is to eliminate the hostility between government authorities and civil society organizations. It emphasized the importance of a multi-stakeholder approach, fostering trust, and encouraging a collective response to CFT in Africa.
Participants underscored the necessity of Africa-led solutions to address the root causes of terrorism financing. Additionally, the event aimed to enhance stakeholders' capacity and share best practices and knowledge on countering the financing of terrorism while safeguarding civic space.
THRDC has been actively coordinating workshops with NPOs in Tanzania to enhance their understanding of FATF Recommendation 8. They are also working closely with the Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU) and regulators to minimize the misuse of these initiatives against civic space and human rights advocacy groups.
THRDC is planning to conduct an annual forum with financial institutions for joint discussions on FATF recommendations, de-risking issues, and aspects of beneficial ownership.
Issued on August 6, 2024
THRDC
