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Illegal Diamond Mining Industry Entangled with Criminal Networks in Angola

Angola’s illegal diamond mining industry is plagued by criminal networks, including Chinese and Vietnamese groups that have collaborated with local nationals to traffic diamonds and other illicit goods. The country’s porous borders and weak law enforcement presence have created an environment conducive to these activities.

Gangs Emerge in Urban Centers

In recent years, mafia-style groups have emerged in urban centers, particularly in Luanda, where they engage in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and firearms smuggling. These groups have access to weapons left over from the civil war and private security company arms. The weak police presence in poor neighborhoods has allowed these groups to flourish.

• Despite efforts by the Angolan authorities to dismantle multiple small mafia-style groups in 2021 and 2022, the nature of these groups and their involvement in criminal markets remains unclear.
• Gang violence and homicide rates are extremely high in urban areas.

Corruption Remains a Major Concern

The government’s anti-corruption efforts have been hampered by inadequate institutional frameworks, lack of transparency, and poor accountability. The president’s popularity has declined due to the country’s economic struggles, elite influence, and the perceived use of anti-corruption measures as a political tool.

• Ratification of international legal instruments against organized crime is a positive step, but the country still needs to address corruption in the extractive industries, which are prone to transnational bribery.
• Domestic legislative frameworks are robust, but implementation remains challenging due to inadequate resources and training.

Human Trafficking and Smuggling

Angola’s porous borders have enabled human trafficking and smuggling networks to flourish. The government has launched a hotline to receive reports of trafficking, but lacks the staff and resources to investigate claims. Victim support services are limited, and rehabilitation programs for drug users are in the process of being established.

Cybersecurity Threats

As cyberattacks become more frequent, Angola’s lack of capacity to address these threats is a growing concern. The government has announced plans to raise public awareness about cybersecurity risks but lacks the necessary resources and expertise to effectively combat this threat.

Free Press Limited

Despite some improvements under the current leadership, freedom of the press remains limited in Angola. Criminal defamation laws and cyberattacks are used to silence journalists, while physical persecution and intimidation of activists, academics, and youth organizations continue to occur. Civil society groups remain weak and often face suppression by the government.

In summary, Angola’s illegal diamond mining industry is plagued by criminal networks that exploit the country’s porous borders and corrupt institutions. The government must prioritize strengthening its anti-corruption efforts, improving law enforcement capacity, and addressing human trafficking and smuggling to combat these threats effectively.