Angola’s Urban Centers Witness Rise of Mafia-Style Groups

The Concerning Trend in Luanda and Beyond

Angola’s urban centers, particularly Luanda, have seen the emergence of mafia-style groups in recent years. These criminal organizations are characterized by their involvement in multiple illegal activities such as drug trafficking and firearms smuggling. They have been able to gain access to weapons left over from the country’s civil war and private security company arms.

Contributing Factors

Experts point out that the weak police presence in poor urban neighborhoods has contributed to the growth of these groups, leading to high levels of gang violence and homicide. However, it is notable that extortion activities have not been reported, suggesting that these groups do not yet have strong control over their territories.

Leadership and Governance

The Government’s Efforts

Despite the government’s efforts to combat corruption and organized crime, many Angolans report a decline in corruption, with most classifying the government’s performance as weak. The president’s popularity has decreased in recent years, attributed to the country’s economic struggles, excessive focus on eradicating influence of the previous regime, and lack of tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Institutional Framework

The institutional anti-corruption framework remains inadequate, with poor government transparency and accountability. Although there is greater transparency in public procurement processes, other areas remain opaque, including high-profile appointments within the government.

Criminal Justice and Security

Challenges Facing the Judiciary

The judiciary faces significant challenges, including executive control, lack of resources, and human rights abuses in prisons. The police continue to collaborate with international partners to combat organized crime, but their efficacy is hindered by corruption and limited resources.

Border Control and Impunity

Angola’s extensive borders and coastline present a challenge for law enforcement, with concerns about police impunity, arbitrary arrests, and extra-judicial killings. Border operations have been stepped up to combat cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking and illegal diamond mining.

Economic and Financial Environment

Money Laundering and Corruption

Despite high-profile prosecutions of former officials for money laundering, Angola remains vulnerable to the crime. However, there is increased political will to tackle money laundering through international cooperation.

Business Challenges

Doing business in Angola presents significant challenges due to poor land and property rights, institutionalized corruption, and limited oversight measures. The government has taken steps to restore investor confidence by prioritizing anti-corruption efforts and restructuring state-owned enterprises.

Human Trafficking and Support Services

Government support for human trafficking victims remains ineffective, with limited resources and staff to investigate claims. The country has launched a new hotline for reporting trafficking cases, but it is unclear how effective this will be in practice.

Anti-Crime Efforts and Free Press

Angola has taken steps to combat organized crime, including creating an Interministerial Committee Against Environmental Crimes and implementing a new National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking. Despite improvements made by the current leadership, freedom of the press remains limited, with criminal defamation laws and cyber-attacks used to censor journalists. Civil society continues to face challenges, with protests often suppressed and relationships with the government remaining antagonistic.

Source: Angolan Ministry of Justice, International Crime Prevention Institute