Angola’s Diamond Mining Industry Plagued by Organized Crime

Challenges in Angola’s Diamond Mining Industry

The diamond mining industry in Angola is facing a new wave of challenges as criminal groups from China and Vietnam are allegedly involved in illegal logging, wildlife trafficking, and human trafficking. Additionally, mafia-style gangs have emerged in urban centers, primarily in Luanda, with control over specific territories defined by neighborhoods or municipalities.

The Scope of the Problem

These groups are involved in multiple criminal markets, including the illicit drug trade and firearms trafficking, and have gained access to weapons left over from the civil war. Despite efforts by the Angolan government to combat organized crime, corruption remains a major obstacle. The judiciary is not independent, and judges are often nominated by the president, who also rewards compliant judges with favorable positions.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

• Prisons are overcrowded, and many inmates lack basic human rights.
• The police force is plagued by corruption and lacks resources and training, making it difficult to effectively combat organized crime.
• Border police have been conducting operations to combat cross-border crimes, but there are concerns about police impunity, particularly in cases of arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

In an effort to tackle organized crime, the government has:

• Created an Interministerial Committee Against Environmental Crimes
• Implemented a new National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking
• Increased cooperation with international partners, including the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and the US Treasury

Limitations and Challenges Ahead

However, freedom of press remains limited, with criminal defamation laws and cyber-attacks used to censor journalists. Civil society is weak and often suppressed by the government, which has an antagonistic relationship with protesters and critics.

Conclusion

Angola’s diamond mining industry faces significant challenges from organized crime, corruption, and lack of resources. To effectively combat these issues, the country must prioritize:

• Reforming its judiciary and police force
• Increasing transparency in the extractive industries
• Protecting freedom of press