Sao Tome and Principe: A Nation Spared from Organized Crime

Sao Tome and Principe, a tiny island nation in West Africa, has been fortunate enough to avoid the brunt of human trafficking and smuggling. Despite its isolated location, there are concerns that the country may be used as a transit point for irregular migrants from neighboring countries.

Growing Concerns: Sex Tourism and Drug Trafficking

While there are no organized crime groups operating in Sao Tome and Principe, foreign nationals have been known to manage drug trafficking through the islands. Additionally, sex tourism is a growing concern, with some instances leading to the sexual exploitation of children. These issues highlight the need for the government to take proactive measures to prevent and combat these crimes.

Local Gangs Engage in Petty Crime

Local gangs are involved primarily in petty crime, such as robberies and thefts, but have limited engagement with larger criminal markets. There have been isolated incidents of violent robberies, but these are rare. The presence of local gangs is a concern, but their activities do not pose a significant threat to the country’s stability.

Government Plan to Combat Organized Crime

In 2017, the government launched a strategic plan to combat organized crime, which includes new measures and initiatives to address the issue. The country has also strengthened its legal framework to tackle trafficking and narcotics use. This plan demonstrates the government’s commitment to addressing organized crime and protecting its citizens.

Challenges in Combating Crime

Despite international assistance, the police and security forces lack the necessary equipment, capacity, and resources to respond effectively to crime. This is particularly pressing when it comes to combating maritime crime, due to the long coastline and vast maritime borders that are difficult to police and monitor. Additionally, corruption within the judiciary has been a concern, potentially resulting in dropped trials for politically connected individuals.

Economic Challenges

The economy of Sao Tome and Principe is growing, driven by an increase in tourism services and agriculture. However, it remains isolated and vulnerable to external shocks. The country suffers from high unemployment and poverty rates, making it an unattractive investment destination.

Addressing Anti-Money Laundering Deficiencies

While Sao Tome and Principe is not exposed to large-scale illicit financial activity such as money laundering, its Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism protocol does not currently meet global standards. The country is working to address these deficiencies but remains vulnerable.

Strengthening Civil Society and Social Protection

There are no strong and established assistance programs for victims of organized crime in Sao Tome and Principe. NGOs cooperate with the authorities but face funding constraints, hindering their ability to operate effectively. The press environment is generally free, but self-censorship is common due to the limited size of the media sector.

Conclusion

Sao Tome and Principe has made significant strides in combating organized crime, including launching a strategic plan to address the issue. However, challenges remain, particularly in addressing corruption within the judiciary and strengthening civil society and social protection. The country must continue to work towards meeting global standards on anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism. With its growing economy and commitment to combating organized crime, Sao Tome and Principe is poised for a brighter future.