Organized Crime in Equatorial Guinea: Key Challenges

Human Trafficking in Equatorial Guinea

• Despite a lack of publicly available data on human trafficking in Equatorial Guinea, it is known that unregulated logging has connections to bilateral ties with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).
• There are no prosecutions or convictions of human-trafficking suspects, despite ratifying international legal instruments pertaining to organized crime.

Corruption and Governance

• Equatorial Guinea is described as a kleptocracy, where corrupt leaders exploit people and natural resources for personal gain.
• Corruption is prevalent throughout the government, including the judiciary.

Economic Environment

• Weak anti-money laundering laws and lack of enforcement contribute to a decrease in economic growth due to fluctuating oil prices and declining production.
• The country’s economic instability has significant social implications.

Judicial System and Civil Society

• The judicial system is not independent, with corruption prevalent throughout the government, including the judiciary.
• Protection efforts for human trafficking victims are weak, and there is no witness-protection program or harm reduction measures in place for drug use.

Social Implications

These points indicate that Equatorial Guinea faces significant challenges in addressing organized crime, corruption, and human rights abuses. Addressing these issues will require a multi-faceted approach that involves strengthening governance, improving the judicial system, and protecting vulnerable populations.