Niger Struggles to Combat Organized Crime Amid Corruption and Instability

Background

NIAMEY, Niger - The region surrounding Mali is plagued by organized crime, corruption, and instability. Non-state armed groups in Mali continue to exert significant control over smuggling routes between Mali and Niger.

Report Highlights

A recent report highlights the connections between Malian non-state armed groups and influential political figures in Niger, as well as Chadian armed groups’ involvement in criminal activities in northern Niger and the Chad-Libya-Niger triangle. The report also emphasizes Niger’s struggle to combat violent extremist groups, including IS Sahel, JNIM, and Boko Haram.

Challenges

Despite efforts by the government of Niger to address organized crime, corruption remains a significant obstacle. The country’s political elite and security apparatus have been accused of involvement in the illicit economy. Anti-corruption agencies face criticism for their lack of independence and financial dependence on the executive branch.

Corruption in the Judiciary

The judicial system in Niger is also plagued by corruption, with low salaries, inadequate training, and limited resources contributing to a prevalence of corrupt practices. The judiciary often fails to hold high-ranking politicians accountable, leading to a lack of public trust.

Law Enforcement Challenges

Law enforcement structures continue to grapple with corruption, with security forces frequently accepting bribes from smugglers. The country’s porous borders also pose significant challenges in maintaining its territorial integrity, while foreign violent extremist groups continue to pose a threat.

Economic and Financial Environment

Anti-money laundering efforts in Niger focus primarily on combating terrorism financing, but the financial oversight infrastructure remains weak and ineffective. The informal economy represents a significant portion of the country’s economic activity, leading to low levels of formal financial inclusion, which hinders effective anti-money laundering measures.

Human trafficking victim and witness support receives significant support from international organizations, while authorities have increased trafficking investigations, prosecutions, and convictions. However, cases of sexual exploitation involving Nigerien peacekeepers have been reported without adequate investigation or disciplinary action.

The role of civil society in combating organized crime is limited, with only a few UN-sponsored initiatives in place. Civil society members have expressed concern about repression, alleging that the government has exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to arrest or silence them.

Recommendations

Strengthen Governance and Combat Corruption: Increase transparency and accountability within state institutions.
Improve Judicial Independence and Efficiency: Provide training and resource allocation to improve judicial independence and efficiency.
Enhance Border Security and Cooperation: Improve border security and cooperation with neighboring countries to address organized crime and violent extremism.
Support Civil Society Initiatives: Support civil society initiatives to promote human rights and combat trafficking.

Conclusion

Niger faces significant challenges in combating organized crime amid corruption and instability. Addressing these issues requires strengthening governance, improving judicial independence, enhancing border security, and supporting civil society initiatives.