Cape Verdeans Express Concerns Over Crime, Corruption

A recent survey has revealed that many Cape Verdeans feel unsafe and fear crime in their communities. The findings highlight a pressing issue that requires attention from the government and law enforcement agencies.

Fear of Crime in Urban Areas

The survey found that urban residents are more likely to experience crime than those living in rural areas. According to the results:

56% of respondents from urban areas believed it was likely or very likely that they would be burgled at home, compared to only 23% of those from rural areas.
Urban residents are more susceptible to crime due to higher population densities and increased opportunities for thieves.

Corruption: A Widespread Concern

The survey also highlighted a perception gap between citizens and police officers when it comes to corruption. While police officers reported receiving fewer bribery offers, citizens perceived politicians as the most likely to accept bribes, followed by customs officials and government employees.

27% of respondents reported cases involving customs officials.
12% cited police officers.
10% mentioned elected representatives at the city council level.

Unofficial Payments Expected from Businesses

The survey found that businesses are often expected to make unofficial payments or retributions to public officials in order to obtain services such as:

Vehicle fitness certificates
Authorizations from municipalities and district councils
Advancing legal proceedings with the judiciary
Clearing goods through customs

Corruption: A Significant Issue

While 31.5% of police officers reported being approached by someone who wanted to pay a bribe or give a gift in exchange for service that should have been provided for free, only 1.4% of public employees shared this experience.

The findings suggest that corruption is a significant issue in Cape Verde and that there is a need for increased transparency and accountability in government services. The survey’s results can inform efforts to improve the country’s governance and ensure that its citizens feel safe and protected.

Recommendations

To address the concerns raised by the survey, we recommend:

Strengthening law enforcement agencies and increasing their visibility in urban areas
Implementing measures to prevent corruption, such as transparency in government services and regular audits of public officials
Promoting a culture of accountability and integrity within government institutions
Providing training and resources to police officers and other public employees to help them resist bribery offers

By addressing these concerns, we can work towards creating a safer and more transparent society for all Cape Verdeans.