Financial Crime World

Gabon’s Struggle with Organized Crime: Key Challenges and Areas for Improvement

Judicial System: A Tool for the Ruling Party?

  • The judiciary is not trusted, with many viewing it as a tool for the ruling party and elite
  • Reports of complicity among judicial staff have surfaced, including allegations of judges taking bribes from traffickers
  • Lack of faith in the judicial system undermines efforts to combat organized crime

Law Enforcement: A Need for Specialized Units

  • No specialized units exist to tackle organized crime specifically
  • Security forces receive training to fight specific activities like drug trafficking and resource exploitation, but more is needed
  • A dedicated approach would help to effectively address the root causes of organized crime in Gabon

Territorial Integrity: Vulnerable Borders

  • Free movement regulations with neighboring countries create vulnerabilities
  • Border closures during times of trouble, including the pandemic, have been frequent
  • Corruption at the border with Cameroon is a significant concern that must be addressed

Economic and Financial Environment: Capacity Gaps

  • Mechanisms to curb money laundering are in place, but lack capacity to investigate and prosecute cases effectively
  • Limited resources hinder efforts to combat financial crimes and organized crime more broadly

Civil Society and Social Protection: A Crucial Role

  • Two state-funded NGO shelters provide essential services to human trafficking victims
  • National authorities have increased efforts to identify and protect victims of organized crime
  • Civil society organizations play a vital role in responding to organized crime, including wildlife trafficking and illegal fishing

Media Landscape: Intimidation and Self-Censorship

  • Press freedom has eroded significantly, with journalists intimidated by law enforcement and subjected to extreme restrictions
  • Self-censorship is rampant, limiting the ability of the media to report on organized crime and hold those in power accountable

Conclusion

Gabon’s performance in addressing organized crime is hindered by significant weaknesses in its judicial system, law enforcement, and economic and financial environments. While civil society organizations play a vital role in responding to organized crime, the government’s actions have led to intimidation of journalists and self-censorship in the media. Addressing these challenges will be crucial to effectively combatting organized crime in Gabon.