Gabon’s Struggle Against Organized Crime: A Mixed Bag of Progress and Challenges

Despite efforts to combat organized crime, Gabon still faces significant challenges in its fight against these illegal activities. While the country has made progress on the international stage, its domestic laws and institutions require improvement.

International Cooperation

Gabon has ratified several treaties related to organized crime and is generally cooperative with international institutions. The country has also entered into bilateral agreements to address forest and wildlife crimes, as well as signed regional treaties aimed at combating counterfeit pharmaceuticals.

Domestic Challenges

However, on the domestic front, Gabon’s laws are often weak in implementation and compliance. The judiciary is seen as being compromised by corruption, with judges allegedly taking bribes from traffickers to delay or dismiss cases. There is also a lack of specialized units dedicated to countering organized crime, and security forces receive limited training to address specific crimes.

Border Control

Gabon’s porous borders and unguarded beaches make it vulnerable to trafficking activities. The country has closed its borders several times in recent years, including during the pandemic. Corruption among customs officials on both sides of the border with Cameroon also facilitates illegal activities.

Economic Environment

The economic environment is challenging for anti-organized crime efforts. While Gabon has established mechanisms to curb money laundering, these systems lack capacity to effectively investigate and prosecute cases. Anti-corruption initiatives are often seen as political tools rather than genuine efforts to combat corruption.

Civil Society Role

On a more positive note, civil society organizations play an important role in the response to organized crime in Gabon. These groups operate shelters for human trafficking victims and work closely with the government to combat wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing. However, the media landscape remains restrictive, with limited press freedom and journalists often intimidated by law enforcement.

Efforts to Improve

Despite these challenges, there are efforts being made to improve anti-organized crime initiatives. The government has established a national commission to coordinate actions against small arms and light weapons, while law enforcement is working to create strategic tools to combat organized crime. However, more needs to be done to address the root causes of corruption and improve institutional capacity.

Key Takeaways

• Gabon has ratified several international treaties related to organized crime.
• The judiciary is seen as compromised by corruption.
• Border control is vulnerable to trafficking activities due to porous borders and unguarded beaches.
• Economic environment is challenging for anti-organized crime efforts due to corruption and limited institutional capacity.
• Civil society organizations play an important role in combating human trafficking and wildlife crimes.
• Media landscape remains restrictive, with limited press freedom and journalists often intimidated by law enforcement.