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Angola: Vulnerable to Organized Crime and Corruption

Organized Crime and Corruption

Angola is facing significant challenges related to organized crime and corruption. The country’s vulnerability stems from a combination of factors, including:

  • Corruption: Widespread corruption has weakened institutions and undermined the rule of law.
  • Poor governance: Angola’s government has been criticized for its lack of transparency and accountability.
  • Ineffective law enforcement: The police force is understaffed and plagued by corruption, making it difficult to combat organized crime.

Despite having ratified several international instruments to combat organized crime, Angola’s legislative framework remains inadequate. While there have been some positive steps towards greater international cooperation, more needs to be done to address the root causes of organized crime.

Criminal Justice and Security

The justice system in Angola is not independent, with concerns about executive control over the judiciary. This has resulted in:

  • Overcrowding: Prisons are severely overcrowded, leading to a lack of basic human rights for inmates.
  • Lack of accountability: The police force has been criticized for corruption and inadequate training.

However, there have been efforts by the police force to combat cross-border crimes. To improve the situation, it is essential to strengthen the independence of the judiciary and ensure that it is free from executive control.

Economic and Financial Environment

Angola faces significant challenges related to its economic and financial environment:

  • Poor business climate: The country is one of the most difficult places in the world to do business due to poor land and property rights, high levels of institutionalized corruption, and a lack of transparency.
  • Vulnerable banking system: The banking system is susceptible to corrupt elites, further exacerbating economic instability.

The oil price shock in 2020 has put additional strain on the economy. To improve the situation, it is crucial to increase transparency and accountability in government activities.

Civil Society and Social Protection

Angola’s civil society faces challenges related to:

  • Limited freedom of press: Criminal defamation laws have led to censorship of journalists.
  • Suppression of civil society: While there has been some progress, civil society remains weak and often suppressed.
  • Insufficient support for victims: Angola only meets a third of international mechanisms agreed upon to support victims exiting modern slavery.

To address these issues, it is essential to provide more resources for civil society organizations and increase transparency in government activities.