Doha, Qatar – 16th December, 2025 – The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) of Sierra Leone has entered into a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Prosecutor General’s Office of the Russian Federation to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the fight against corruption.
The signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the United Nations Convention against Corruption Conference at the Sheraton Grand Doha Resort and Convention Hotel in Doha, Qatar. The ACC was represented by Commissioner Francis Ben Kaifala Esq., while Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan signed on behalf of Russia.
The MoU, grounded in equality and mutual respect, aims to enhance collaboration in preventing, detecting, investigating, and suppressing corruption-related offenses. It also emphasizes adherence to both countries’ national laws and international obligations.
Key areas of cooperation outlined in the agreement include the exchange of information, experience, and best practices, as well as national anti-corruption legislation. Both institutions will jointly organize international events such as workshops, conferences, training sessions, working meetings, and roundtable discussions.
The agreement also provides for mutual visits and practical staff training to promote knowledge sharing, particularly in modern investigative techniques and the use of technical tools. Legal cooperation is another critical focus, including consultations on legal matters, processing requests for legal assistance, and conducting anti-corruption checks outside the criminal law sphere.
Additionally, the MoU facilitates the regular exchange of information between the ACC and the Russian Prosecutor General’s Office, ensuring both institutions remain informed on emerging trends and methods in anti-corruption enforcement.
Commissioner Kaifala described the MoU as “a major step forward in Sierra Leone’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and international collaboration in combating corruption.”
By Derick Smith
