Angola: A Complex Web of Challenges

Organized Crime: A Persistent Threat

• Angolan law enforcement has strengthened its efforts to combat cocaine trafficking by collaborating with neighboring countries, including South Africa, Brazil, and Portugal.
• The police force launched Operation Transparency and Operation Rescue in 2018 to tackle corruption and reduce organized crime, but concerns about police impunity remain.
• Human Rights Watch continues to highlight issues of arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings.

Economic and Financial Environment: Room for Improvement

• Angola’s business environment is considered one of the most challenging globally due to poor land and property rights, entrenched corruption, and a fragile banking system.
• The president has initiated steps to boost investor confidence by prioritizing anti-corruption efforts and restructuring state-owned enterprises.

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Mixed Picture

• Angola falls short in meeting international commitments to support victims of modern slavery, only meeting a third of agreed-upon mechanisms.
• A new law was enacted in 2020 to establish a witness protection program, but no progress has been made so far.
• Rehabilitation services for people who use drugs are available at both national and community levels.

Cooperation with International Partners: Key Relationships

• Angola works closely with the UNODC and US Treasury Department to combat financial crimes and corruption.
• The country has strengthened its cooperation with South Africa, Brazil, and Portugal to combat cocaine trafficking.

Conclusion

While there have been some positive developments under the current leadership, Angola still faces significant challenges in addressing organized crime, promoting economic growth, and protecting human rights.