Organized Crime in São Tomé and Príncipe: A Vulnerable Situation

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Overview

São Tomé and Príncipe’s organized crime situation is characterized by several key points. The country’s vulnerability to external sources of organized crime, corruption within the state, particularly in the judiciary, and a lack of resources for law enforcement exacerbate its vulnerabilities.

Organized Crime

External Threats: São Tomé and Príncipe is vulnerable to external sources of organized crime, particularly piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
Foreign Presence: Foreign criminal actors have a presence in the islands, managing drug trafficking through them.
Corruption: Corruption in the state, particularly in the judiciary, is an issue that can exacerbate vulnerabilities.

Drug Trafficking

Low Numbers: São Tomé and Príncipe has one of the lowest numbers of drug trafficking offenses in Africa, with negligible drug markets.
Geographical Vulnerability: However, the country’s geographical position makes it vulnerable to some drug flows from Nigeria and Brazil.
Cannabis Consumption: Cannabis is the most consumed drug in the country, with a small amount of domestic cultivation.

Criminal Actors

Local Gangs: Local gangs are engaged primarily in petty crime, including robberies, hold-ups, and theft.
Violent Incidents: There have been isolated incidents of robberies turning violent, but this type of crime is rare.
Recruitment: Citizens have been recruited to work as drug ‘mules’ by foreign criminals.

Resilience

Democracy: São Tomé and Príncipe is a democracy with a relatively positive track record for upholding civil liberties and democratic norms.
Government Plan: The government has exhibited some political will to combat organized crime, launching a strategic government plan in 2017.
Corruption Impediment: Corruption remains a considerable impediment to development and effective law enforcement.

Leadership and Governance

International Treaties: São Tomé and Príncipe has ratified most relevant international treaties concerning transnational organized crime.
Bilateral and Multilateral Protocols: Robust bilateral and multilateral protocols and networks have been established with other states or international organizations.
Extradition: The country’s Constitution prohibits the extradition of its citizens from national territory.

Criminal Justice and Security

Judiciary Independence: The judiciary is mostly independent, but there have been cases of interference and undue influence over courts as well as corruption within the judiciary.
Due Process: Courts generally uphold standards of due process in criminal matters.
Police Capacity: Police and security forces lack equipment, capacity, and resources to respond to crime in a timely and comprehensive manner.

Economic and Financial Environment

Economy Growth: São Tomé and Príncipe is a lower-middle-income country with an economy growing driven by tourism services and agriculture.
External Shocks: The economy is isolated and vulnerable to external shocks, suffering high unemployment and poverty rates.
Private Sector Development: Private sector development faces serious constraints, and the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism protocol does not meet global standards.

Victim Assistance: There are no strong and established assistance programs for victims of organized crime.
NGO Operations: NGOs operate regularly with authorities to address issues such as child labor.
Press Environment: The press environment is generally free, although self-censorship is common.