Angola’s Shadowy Underworld: Mafia-Style Groups Emerge Amidst Political Instability
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In Luanda, Angola, a new threat is emerging in the form of mafia-style groups that are exploiting the weak governance and corruption-ridden system. These groups have been gaining strength in urban centers, particularly in Luanda, where they are involved in a range of illegal activities including:
- Drug trafficking
- Firearms trading
- Extortion
The ability to access weapons left over from the civil war and arms from private security companies has further emboldened them.
Corruption Plagues Angola
Despite the government’s anti-corruption rhetoric, many Angolans believe that President João Lourenço is using his efforts against corruption as a political tool rather than a genuine attempt to eradicate the problem. The president’s popularity has been declining in recent years, partly due to:
- Economic woes
- Lack of tangible improvements in citizens’ lives
Corruption remains rampant, with many officials embezzling funds meant for public projects and services. The government’s transparency and accountability are also lacking, with opaque processes in areas such as:
- Public procurement
- High-profile appointments to key positions
Criminal Justice System in Shambles
The judiciary is plagued by executive interference, with judges nominated by the president and rewarded with favorable positions for their loyalty. The judicial system lacks resources, and prisons are overcrowded, with many inmates denied basic human rights.
Law enforcement agencies face similar challenges, including:
- Corruption
- Lack of training
- Limited resources
The police have been accused of using excessive force against political activists and protesters, and there is a growing concern about impunity.
Economic Challenges
Angola’s economic regulatory systems are still not meeting international standards, and the country’s dependence on oil exports makes it vulnerable to fluctuations in global markets. The government has taken steps to address these issues, including:
- Prioritizing anti-corruption efforts
- Calling for the restructuring of state-owned enterprises
However, investors continue to face substantial challenges, including:
- Poor land and property rights
- High levels of corruption
- Inadequate oversight mechanisms
The country’s economic regulatory systems are expected to improve with the ratification of international agreements such as the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes Convention.
Civil Society Under Pressure
Despite some improvements in recent years, freedom of press is still limited in Angola, with:
- Criminal defamation laws
- Cyber-attacks used to censor journalists
Civil society organizations face harassment and intimidation, and their protest actions are often suppressed by the government. The Angolan government has launched initiatives to combat human trafficking and organized crime, but these efforts have been criticized for being inadequate and ineffective.
In conclusion, Angola is grappling with a complex web of corruption, political instability, and organized crime. While the government has taken some steps to address these issues, more needs to be done to combat the root causes of these problems and create a stable and prosperous future for its citizens.