Djibouti’s Lack of Regulation Leaves Door Open for Corruption and Conflict

Despite Djibouti’s efforts to strengthen partnerships with international organizations and participate in migration task forces, the country’s lack of regulations aimed at preventing conflicts of interest in public procurement and government tender processes has raised concerns about corruption and abuse of power.

Judicial System

Djibouti’s judicial system is heavily influenced by the executive branch, allowing corruption to flourish. The absence of judiciary-related specialized units to combat organized crime means that crimes often go unpunished. Overcrowding in prisons has led to reports of prisoners being subjected to abuse by police and gendarmes.

Law Enforcement

Djibouti’s law enforcement agencies are responsible for security, but a lack of cooperation between them has hindered efforts to combat crime. The country’s porous borders make it a high-risk area for human trafficking, with irregular migrants able to cross into the country unchecked.

Economic Development

In terms of economic development, Djibouti’s anti-money laundering framework has remained stable, but money laundering continues to occur. The country’s banking sector is still vulnerable to corruption, and institutions established to combat public sector corruption are not fulfilling their mandate.

The economy is dominated by state-owned companies and business conglomerates associated with senior officials, which has deterred private sector investment.
Prolonged political tension and border security pressures have had a negative impact on trade and growth in the country, which is already at risk of debt distress.

Djibouti’s civil society and social protection efforts are also inadequate. Authorities fail to identify trafficking victims and investigations and prosecutions decreasing. The government has not implemented its national action plan to combat trafficking for seven consecutive years, despite cooperation with international organizations such as the International Organization for Migration and UNICEF.

Human Rights

The lack of human resources and organized crime prevention strategies means that crime prevention remains a significant challenge in Djibouti. The country’s poor record on political rights, civil liberties, and press freedom has also raised concerns about its ability to protect the rights of its citizens.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Djibouti’s failure to establish regulations aimed at preventing conflicts of interest in public procurement and government tender processes has created an environment conducive to corruption and abuse of power. The country’s lack of effective governance and inadequate institutions have hindered efforts to combat crime and promote economic development, leaving its citizens vulnerable to human rights violations and exploitation.