Tuesday, July 11, 2023

At Ongoing 2023 ECOSOC Africa Union’s Annual Citizen’s Forum Nairobi, Kenya; Cameroon Born Barr. Akere Muna Honored as Presiding Officer for Exceptional leadership in Strengthening CSOs Across the continent.

Barrister Akere Muna, a distinguished lawyer and advocate for good governance, has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to civil society and his relentless efforts in combating corruption in Africa. During the opening ceremony of the Economic Social and Culture Council of the African Union's Annual Citizen's Forum 2023, held in Nairobi, Kenya, Muna was honored as the very first Presiding Officer of ECOSSOC and for his exceptional leadership in strengthening civil society across the continent.

A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy:

Hailing from Cameroon, Barrister Akere Muna has a remarkable track record in legal advocacy and governance. He served as the President of the Cameroon Bar Association and the Pan African Lawyers Union (PALU), demonstrating his commitment to upholding justice and the rule of law. Muna's dedication to the fight against corruption led to his involvement with Transparency International, both as the founder of Transparency International Cameroon and as Vice Chair of the global organization. Furthermore, he held the prestigious role of Chairperson of the Council of the International Anti-Corruption Conference.

Contributions to Good Governance:

Muna's remarkable work extends beyond the legal realm, with notable contributions to promoting good governance in Africa. He lent his expertise as a Member of the Eminent Persons Panel for the African Peer Review Mechanism (APRM), ultimately rising to the prestigious position of Panel President. Through his involvement with APRM, Muna played a vital role in assessing and facilitating the implementation of good governance practices across the continent, leaving a lasting impact on African nations.

Anti-Corruption Advocacy:

Throughout his career, Barrister Akere Muna has been a formidable force in the fight against corruption. As a founding member of Transparency International Cameroon, he has worked tirelessly to raise awareness, promote accountability, and advocate for transparent financial practices in the country. His experiences and expertise positioned him as a key figure in the African Union's High-Level Panel on Illicit Financial Flows, chaired by former South African President Thabo Mbeki. Muna's role in this panel reflects his commitment to addressing the systemic issues underlying illicit financial flows within Africa.

Commitment to Athletics and Development:

In addition to his legal and governance endeavors, Muna has also made significant contributions to the field of athletics. He served as the first Chairperson of the Vetting Panel of the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), showcasing his commitment to integrity and fairness in sports. Additionally, Muna holds the distinction of being the first Sanctions Commissioner of the Sanctions Office of the African Development Bank Group, where he played a pivotal role in ensuring accountability and ethical practices within the organization.

Conclusion:

Barrister Akere Muna's numerous accomplishments and unyielding dedication to good governance, anti-corruption initiatives, and athletics make him a remarkable figure within Africa and beyond. His recognition as the inaugural Presiding Officer of ECOSSOC at the Annual Citizen's Forum 2023 underscores the profound impact he has had on strengthening civil society and promoting democratic principles within the African Union. As a highly respected legal practitioner and advocate, Muna continues to inspire and lead the fight for transparency, accountability, and ethical governance throughout the



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