Combating Organized Crime in Gabon: A Mixed Report

Gabon’s efforts to address organized crime are a mixed bag. While there have been attempts to tackle specific issues such as small arms and light weapons trafficking, the country still faces significant challenges in its ability to effectively combat these crimes.

Efforts to Combat Organized Crime

• Establishment of a National Commission: A national commission has been set up to coordinate efforts among national authorities to combat the circulation and trafficking of small arms and light weapons.
• Training for Security Forces: Security forces receive training to fight against specific organized crime activities such as illegal exploitation of resources and drug trafficking.

Challenges in Combating Organized Crime

• Lack of Specialized Units: Gabon lacks specialized judiciary units and law enforcement units tasked with countering organized crime.
• Judicial System Issues: The judicial system is not trusted, and judges are alleged to take bribes from traffickers to delay or dismiss cases. There have also been reports of complicity among judicial staff.

Economic Mechanisms to Combat Money Laundering

• Established Regulatory Frameworks: Gabon has relevant mechanisms and regulatory frameworks established to curb money laundering.
• Limited Capacity for Investigation and Prosecution: However, these frameworks lack capacity to investigate and prosecute cases effectively.

Civil Society’s Role in Combating Organized Crime

• Support for Victims of Human Trafficking: Civil society organizations provide shelters for victims of human trafficking.
• Collaboration with Government on Wildlife Trafficking and Illegal Fishing: They work closely with the government in the fight against wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing.

Challenges in Media Freedom

• Restricted Media Landscape: The media landscape remains restricted, and journalists self-censor to avoid legal repercussions and intimidation.