BCEAO reminds UMOA journalists about uniform law on counterfeiting and monetary integrity
During a seminar in Dakar on July 21-22, 2026, the Central Bank of West African States BCEAO informed economic journalists from the West African Monetary Union UMOA about the uniform law on counterfeiting and other offenses against monetary signs. Thierry Ahouanvoedo, head of the institution's Fiduciary Analysis and Production Department, highlighted that protecting currency extends beyond combating fake banknotes to include everyday actions. The law prohibits unauthorized reproduction, advertising use, marking, deliberate degradation, and charging commissions on certain banknote exchanges. Banknotes are not to be written on, drawn on, used as advertising, or treated as decorative items. Such actions can lead to sanctions as they affect the integrity and circulation of currency. The BCEAO emphasizes that any reproduction of a banknote requires prior authorization. Using banknotes for advertising without permission is also forbidden. Practices like writing phone numbers on banknotes, which can render them unfit for circulation, are discouraged as they increase costs for the central bank. The BCEAO urges the public to care for banknotes, as repeated folding, staining, marking, writing, and stapling accelerate wear. The bank also addressed the practice of charging commissions for exchanging new or small-denomination banknotes, stating that this is an undue gain and is sanctioned by regulations. Furthermore, the long-term removal of small coins from circulation, such as using the
