São Tomé and Príncipe: A Transit Country for Synthetic Drugs, Lacking Effective Laws to Combat Organized Crime

São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa, is facing significant challenges in combating organized crime. Despite its democratic government and positive track record on civil liberties, the country lacks effective laws and enforcement mechanisms to tackle organized criminal activity.

The Presence of Synthetic Drugs

One of the most pressing concerns is the presence of synthetic drugs in the country, although they are not commonly found in the local market. The nation’s location and geographic characteristics make it a potential transit point for drug traffickers, with many cases reported of foreign criminal actors using the islands as a hub for their illegal activities.

Cybercrime: A Growing Threat

Cybercrime is another significant threat facing São Tomé and Príncipe. With limited regulatory framework and law enforcement capacity, the country is vulnerable to cyber-dependent crimes, including attacks on private institutions such as banks and government authorities.

Financial Crimes: Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing

Financial crimes are also a major concern, with money laundering and terrorist financing posing significant risks to the country’s economy. The Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism protocol does not meet global standards, and regulatory processes lack the capacity to respond to these risks.

Economic Environment: Fragile and Vulnerable

The economic environment in São Tomé and Príncipe is fragile, with a high unemployment rate and low wages making it an attractive destination for organized criminal activity. The country’s proximity to the Niger Delta, where many pirate groups are based, also poses a significant risk to its maritime security.

Government Efforts: Strengthening Cooperation and International Partnerships

Despite these challenges, the government of São Tomé and Príncipe has taken steps to address them, including strengthening cooperation between institutions responsible for preventing and combating corruption, money laundering, and organized crime. The country is also a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, a Financial Action Task Force-type regional body.

In terms of civil society and social protection, while some government initiatives exist to support victims of organized crime, there are no established assistance programs for victims of organized crime. NGOs operate relatively freely, but funding constraints hinder their ability to operate independently and effectively.

Conclusion

Overall, São Tomé and Príncipe faces significant challenges in combating organized crime, including a lack of effective laws and enforcement mechanisms, cybercrime threats, financial crimes, and economic vulnerabilities. However, the government’s efforts to address these issues are promising, and international cooperation will be crucial in supporting the country’s efforts to tackle organized criminal activity.

Sources

Government of São Tomé and Príncipe
International organizations, including Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa and Financial Action Task Force-type regional body.
Non-governmental organizations operating in São Tomé and Príncipe.