Me Moussa Sarr: 4e Congrès Barreaux UEMOA Dakar Tackles AI, CARPA, Harmonization

• The 4th Congress of UEMOA Bar Associations in Dakar focused on strengthening confidence in justice and the role of lawyers.
• Me Moussa Sarr, Senegalese Minister of Justice, officially opened the event and called for harmonized legal practices.
• Key discussions included the responsible use of artificial intelligence, emphasizing professional judgment over technological replacement.
• The congress addressed the Caisse autonome des règlements pécuniaires des avocats (CARPA) for client fund protection and AML/CTF prevention.
• Participants also explored the "acte d'avocat," recognizing its benefits for legal certainty, confidentiality, and speed, while acknowledging its limitations.

He firmly stated that technological tools should augment, rather than replace, the professional judgment and expertise of legal practitioners.

The 4e Congrès Barreaux UEMOA Dakar recently convened, bringing together legal professionals from the eight member states of the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Hosted at the King Fahd Palace hotel in Dakar, the three-day event was officially inaugurated by Me Moussa Sarr, the Senegalese Minister of Justice and Keeper of the Seals. His opening address underscored the critical need to bolster public trust in the judicial system and reinforce the pivotal role of lawyers in upholding the rule of law.

Minister Sarr emphasized that lawyers are central to the effective functioning of justice and the consolidation of democratic principles. He called for ongoing efforts to achieve Harmonisation pratiques juridiques UEMOA across the community, ensuring greater consistency in legal practices. Furthermore, the Minister advocated for enhanced dialogue between the Ministry of Justice and the Bar. This collaboration, he asserted, is vital for improving the overall efficiency of the judicial apparatus and elevating the quality of public justice services provided to citizens.

The congress agenda focused on three significant areas impacting the legal profession. One prominent theme was the integration of Intelligence artificielle profession avocat UEMOA. Me Moussa Sarr urged a responsible approach to these emerging technologies, stressing that their deployment must always respect professional secrecy, safeguard data protection, and uphold fundamental rights. He firmly stated that technological tools should augment, rather than replace, the professional judgment and expertise of legal practitioners.

Another crucial discussion point revolved around the CARPA gestion fonds clients UEMOA. The Minister highlighted the indispensable function of the Caisse autonome des règlements pécuniaires des avocats in protecting litigants' financial interests. He pointed out its role in ensuring the traceability of funds and actively preventing illicit activities such as money laundering and the financing of terrorism. To strengthen these safeguards, Me Moussa Sarr called upon the bar associations of UEMOA member states to rigorously apply common regulations governing the management and security of client funds.

The third key area of focus for the congress was the "acte d'avocat," or lawyer's deed. Me Moussa Sarr detailed the significant advantages this legal instrument offers, including enhanced legal certainty, assured confidentiality, and increased procedural speed. He acknowledged, however, that the "acte d'avocat" possesses certain limitations when compared to an authentic act, such as a notarial deed.

Despite these distinctions, the Minister posited that greater recognition of the "acte d'avocat sécurité juridique UEMOA" could play a substantial role in mitigating potential disputes. By strengthening its standing, the instrument could contribute significantly to reinforcing legal certainty throughout the UEMOA region, offering a valuable tool for both legal professionals and their clients.

In his concluding remarks, Me Moussa Sarr underscored that all the congress's thematic discussions were ultimately centered on the concept of "confidence." He articulated that confidence is an indispensable element for establishing both the authority and the utility of the legal profession. This overarching principle connects directly to the broader goal of Harmonisation pratiques juridiques UEMOA, aiming to build a more cohesive and trustworthy legal environment.

The Minister reaffirmed his department's unwavering commitment to supporting reforms designed to consolidate the rule of law and improve the public service of justice across the UEMOA space. His address not only officially opened the 4e Congrès Barreaux UEMOA Dakar but also set a clear agenda for continued progress and collaboration within the region's legal community.

Lawyers and compliance officers operating within UEMOA member states should note the emphasis on responsible AI use, reinforced CARPA compliance for client funds (AML/CTF), and the potential for greater recognition of the 'acte d'avocat'. These discussions signal areas of future regulatory focus and best practice evolution that could impact legal operations and client advisory across the region.

Source: Reporting from Dakar conference proceedings