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Gabon’s Response to Organized Crime

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Strengthening Institutions

Organized crime poses a significant challenge to Gabon, and strengthening institutions is crucial to effectively combat it. However, there are several areas that need improvement.

• Lack of Trust in the Judiciary: The judiciary is not trusted due to a lack of de facto separation of powers and allegations of complicity among judicial staff.
• Need for Specialized Units: There is a need for specialized judiciary units to counter organized crime, but currently, law enforcement lacks such units.
• Limited Training: Although law enforcement receives training on specific activities such as resource exploitation and drug trafficking, more needs to be done.

Countering Money Laundering

Gabon has established relevant mechanisms and regulatory frameworks to curb money laundering. However, these mechanisms lack the capacity to investigate and prosecute money laundering cases effectively.

• Existing Mechanisms: Gabon has relevant mechanisms in place to combat money laundering.
• Capacity Limitations: However, these mechanisms are hindered by a lack of resources and capacity to investigate and prosecute cases effectively.

Support for Victims

Gabon has made efforts to support victims of organized crime, including human trafficking. However, more needs to be done to ensure their rehabilitation and reintegration into society.

• State-Funded Shelters: There are two state-funded NGO shelters offering services to homeless and orphaned children who are most at risk of trafficking.
• Victim Identification and Protection: National authorities have increased efforts to identify and protect victims of human trafficking in the country.
• Lack of Rehabilitation Programs: However, there is a lack of information on rehabilitation programs for drug abuse.

Civil Society Engagement

Civil society organizations play a crucial role in Gabon’s response to organized crime. They are involved in various activities, including operating shelters for victims of human trafficking and fighting wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing.

• NGO Involvement: Civil society organizations operate shelters for victims of human trafficking.
• Fighting Wildlife Trafficking: They are also involved in the fight against wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing.
• Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: Additionally, they are involved in the implementation of the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative.