Assessment Report on Organized Crime in Mozambique

Key Challenges: Preventing, Investigating, and Prosecuting Organized Crime

Corruption

The judiciary system is plagued by corruption, leading to high levels of impunity for organized crime offenders.

The prevalence of corruption within the judiciary undermines the rule of law and hinders the effective prosecution of organized crime cases.
Addressing corruption requires a comprehensive approach that involves strengthening institutional capacity, improving transparency, and promoting accountability.

Lack of Specialized Units

There are no specialized units aimed at countering organized crime, and law enforcement lacks the capacity to tackle cyber-related crimes.

The absence of specialized units hampers the ability of law enforcement agencies to effectively investigate and prosecute complex cases related to organized crime.
Establishing specialized units will require significant investment in training, equipment, and resources.

Poor Equipment and Training

Law enforcement suffers from poor equipment and ineffective specialized units to combat organized crime.

Inadequate equipment and training hinder the ability of law enforcement agencies to respond effectively to organized crime.
Improving equipment and training will require a sustained effort to address these gaps.

Insurgency in Cabo Delgado

The insurgency in the north of the country has weakened the government’s control in certain parts of its territory, making it difficult to control illicit crossings and smuggling.

The insurgency exacerbates existing challenges related to organized crime, including corruption and lack of specialized units.
Addressing the insurgency will require a coordinated effort from the government, civil society, and international partners.

Economic and Financial Environment

Vulnerability to Money Laundering

Mozambique is considered a vulnerable country to money laundering due to low cooperation among stakeholders and weak case management.

The lack of effective measures to prevent and detect money laundering creates an environment conducive to organized crime.
Enhancing cooperation among stakeholders and improving case management will be essential in addressing this issue.

Inadequate Legal Framework

The legal and institutional framework for combating money laundering and terrorist financing is considered inadequate.

The existing legal framework fails to effectively address the complexities of organized crime, including money laundering and terrorist financing.
Strengthening the legal framework will require a comprehensive review and reform effort.

Weak Victim and Witness Support Capacity

Mozambique has weak victim and witness support capacity, with limited shelters for trafficking victims.

The lack of effective support mechanisms for victims and witnesses undermines their ability to participate in the justice process.
Strengthening victim and witness support capacity will require significant investment in resources and infrastructure.

Limited Prevention Strategies

Prevention strategies against organized crime are limited, and community involvement in preventative measures is also low.

The absence of effective prevention strategies creates an environment conducive to organized crime.
Implementing prevention strategies that involve communities will be essential in addressing this issue.

Civil Liberties and Press Freedom

Civil liberties and press freedom have declined in recent years, especially in the conflict-ridden north.

The erosion of civil liberties and press freedom undermines the rule of law and hampers the ability of citizens to hold those in power accountable.
Strengthening civil liberties and press freedom will require a sustained effort from government, civil society, and international partners.

Recommendations

Strengthen the judiciary system: Address corruption and improve training for magistrates and prosecutors.
Establish specialized units: Combat organized crime and improve law enforcement capacity.
Improve equipment and training: Enhance law enforcement agencies’ ability to respond effectively to organized crime.
Enhance cooperation among stakeholders: Prevent money laundering and terrorist financing.
Implement effective prevention strategies: Include community-based initiatives against organized crime.
Strengthen civil liberties and press freedom: Uphold the rule of law and promote accountability.

The report highlights the complexities of addressing organized crime in Mozambique, where corruption, weak institutions, and economic challenges create an environment conducive to such crimes. Addressing these issues will require a sustained effort from the government, civil society, and international partners.