Challenges in Combating Organized Crime in Gabon
The Government of Gabon has been working to address various forms of organized crime, including human trafficking, wildlife trafficking, and the exploitation of natural resources. However, several challenges hinder the effectiveness of these efforts.
Key Challenges
Lack of Trust in the Judiciary
- Perceived complicity: Judicial staff are perceived as being complicit in organized crime activities.
- Lack of separation of powers: The judiciary lacks de facto independence and autonomy from other branches of government.
Limited Professional Capacity
- Inadequate investigation: Prosecutorial judges often fail to investigate cases of human trafficking thoroughly.
- Disregard for legal protections: Incarcerated individuals are not provided with adequate due process and legal protections.
Lack of Specialized Law Enforcement Units
- Limited capabilities: Gabon lacks specialized law enforcement units tasked with countering organized crime, such as those dedicated to combating drug trafficking.
- Training received: Security forces receive training to fight specific activities, but this is not sufficient to address the broader issue of organized crime.
Corruption
- Prevalent among customs officers: Customs officers on both sides of the border with Cameroon are corrupt and facilitate trafficking activities.
Inadequate Mechanisms for Investigating Money Laundering Cases
- Limited capacity: Gabon lacks the necessary resources to effectively investigate and prosecute money laundering cases.
- Financial Intelligence Unit: Despite having a Financial Intelligence Unit, there is inadequate use of its capabilities.
Perceived Lack of Transparency in Anti-Corruption Initiatives
- Seen as political tools: Anti-corruption initiatives are perceived as being used for political purposes rather than genuinely addressing corruption.
Limited Business Freedom
- Corruption and bureaucracy: Corruption and bureaucratic inefficiencies hinder potential investments in the country.
- Lack of transparency and regulation consistency: The enforcement of regulations is inconsistent, making it difficult to conduct business in Gabon.
Lack of Rehabilitation Programs for Drug Abuse
- Limited information available: There is a lack of information on rehabilitation programs for drug users in Gabon.
Erosion of Press Freedom
- Restricted media landscape: Journalists and editors are intimidated by law enforcement and subjected to extreme sanctions from the media regulator.