Financial Crime World

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Comoros’ Governance Crisis: A Recipe for Disaster

In a stunning display of political instability, the Comoros has failed to address its crippling governance issues, allowing organized crime to flourish and undermining the rule of law.

The Political Struggle

Since 2009, the government and opposition have been locked in a bitter struggle over constitutional changes, diverting attention away from tackling the scourge of organized crime. The 2018 referendum, marred by allegations of vote rigging and boycotted by a significant portion of the electorate, resulted in the presidential term being extended and power concentrated in the hands of the president.

The country’s hybrid legal system, which blends indigenous customary law, Islamic law, and French civil law, is woefully underdeveloped and ill-equipped to combat organized crime. The judicial system is beset by corruption and political interference, with courts often suspended or manipulated by the executive.

A Culture of Corruption

  • Corruption permeates every level of Comorian society, from the judiciary to law enforcement.
  • Police officers are known to collude with criminal networks, facilitating illegal activities across various markets.
  • The rule of law is weak, and authorities show little interest in addressing these issues.

Border Security Concerns

  • Border security is a major concern, as the Comoros’ three main islands struggle to maintain effective surveillance.
  • Maritime capacity is extremely limited, allowing smaller boats to dock undetected at informal ports and harbors.

Economic Woes

  • The financial system is underdeveloped, making it difficult for businesses to thrive.
  • Entrepreneurs are unsupported, and regulatory capacity is extremely poor.
  • The justice system has failed to provide adequate support to lending institutions, instead favoring non-paying creditors.

Civil Society in Crisis

  • Victims of organized crime, including human trafficking victims, often receive inadequate support.
  • There is no help available for drug users, and civil-society organizations rely on private funding and lack the resources needed to operate effectively.

Repression and Censorship

  • The Comorian government has taken repressive measures against civil-society organizations and media outlets, including journalists who dare to speak out against corruption and abuse of power.
  • This climate of fear has led some journalists to flee the country, while others have been forced to self-censor their reporting.

Conclusion

The Comoros’ governance crisis is a recipe for disaster, perpetuating organized crime, corruption, and instability in this fragile state. International partners must urge the government to take immediate action to address these issues and restore the rule of law.