São Tomé and Príncipe: A Challenging Path to Combating Organized Crime

The tiny island nation of São Tomé and Príncipe is facing a daunting battle against organized crime, despite efforts to modernize its judiciary and law enforcement agencies. Corruption and inefficiency remain pervasive obstacles, making it difficult to combat the scourge of organized crime.

Challenges in the Judiciary

Political influence and manipulation lead to trials being dropped against individuals with connections to power brokers
Significant budgetary constraints, lack of specialized personnel, and inadequate infrastructure hinder the judiciary’s ability to effectively address organized crime

Prison Conditions

Overcrowding, poor facilities, and service failures create a harsh environment for inmates
Prolonged pre-trial detention has become a major concern, with over one-fifth of cases stuck in limbo

Law Enforcement Challenges

Lack of necessary equipment and qualified personnel hinders law enforcement agencies’ ability to combat organized crime
Long coastline and vast maritime borders make the country vulnerable to pirate attacks and other forms of criminal activity

International Cooperation

The government is working to improve cooperation with international partners and upgrade its law enforcement capabilities
However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of organized crime, including poverty, unemployment, and corruption

Illegal Financial Activity

São Tomé and Príncipe is not a major hub for large-scale illicit financial activity such as money laundering
The country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism protocol does not meet global standards
Regulatory and supervisory processes lack the capacity to respond to these risks

Efforts to Address Deficiencies

The government has acknowledged these deficiencies and is working to address them
The country is a member of the Inter-Governmental Action Group against Money Laundering in West Africa, a regional body dedicated to combating financial crime

Economic Challenges

São Tomé and Príncipe’s economy is fragile and vulnerable to external shocks
Rising inflation linked to the war in Ukraine, increasing fuel prices, and climate-related weather events are major concerns
Unemployment is high, and wages are low, creating an environment where individuals may be tempted to engage in organized criminal activity

There are no established programs for victims of organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe
The country lacks an explicit organized crime prevention policy, and external support is needed to develop effective strategies
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) operate freely in the country but face funding constraints, limiting their ability to operate independently and effectively

Conclusion

São Tomé and Príncipe faces significant challenges in combating organized crime, including corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of resources. While progress has been made in some areas, more needs to be done to address the root causes of organized crime and improve cooperation with international partners.