Guinea-Bissau: Leaders in Power Benefit from Positions

A comprehensive investigation has revealed a culture of corruption and cronyism in Guinea-Bissau, where leaders exploit their positions for personal gain. The country’s political landscape is plagued by military interference, electoral fraud, and protection of criminal networks.

The President’s Alleged Involvement

The current President, who came to power in 2020, has been accused of using his position to further his own interests. He allegedly benefited from the country’s cocaine trafficking industry, which was linked to a February 2022 attack on the Governmental Palace that killed 11 people.

Corruption and Cronyism

Corruption is rampant throughout the government, with politicians often being chosen and influenced based on corrupt practices and patronage networks. The electoral system is plagued by issues such as vote-buying, and no audit has been conducted to address allegations of fraud in the 2019 presidential election.

Judicial System Compromised

• Prosecutors and judges face funding constraints that limit their ability to combat crimes.
• Judges are susceptible to corruption and political pressure, undermining the fairness of public trials.
• The acquittal of two notorious cocaine traffickers on suspect legal grounds has fueled concerns of criminal capture of the justice system.

Law Enforcement Agencies Underfunded and Politicized

• Law enforcement agencies are understaffed and underfunded, leading to low morale due to irregular wages.
• Police involvement in arbitrary arrests of political figures has raised concerns about politicization of law enforcement units.

Human Trafficking and Forced Labor

The country’s porous borders and inadequate law enforcement have contributed to human trafficking and forced labor. Victims are smuggled into neighboring countries. The government has taken steps to enhance oversight, but implementation remains inadequate.

Economic Challenges

• Guinea-Bissau’s economic regulatory environment is characterized by weak regulatory quality and a lack of adherence to the rule of law, hindering economic diversification.
• The country relies heavily on subsistence agriculture, cashew nut exports, and foreign assistance.

Civil Society and Media Restrictions

• Civil society organizations in Guinea-Bissau are weak, under-resourced, and fragmented, with limited ability to address issues such as human trafficking and organized crime.
• The media sector faces restrictions and limited press freedom, with censorship, intimidation, and attacks on journalists being common occurrences.

Conclusion

The investigation has highlighted a pattern of abuse of power by leaders in Guinea-Bissau, perpetuating a culture of corruption and cronyism that benefits only a select few. Until the government takes concrete steps to address these issues, the country’s people will continue to suffer.