GABON’S CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM WEAK IN FIGHT AGAINST ORGANIZED CRIME

Despite being a signatory to several international treaties aimed at combating organized crime, Gabon’s domestic efforts have been marred by weaknesses in its criminal justice system.

Lack of Specialized Judiciary Units

Gabon lacks specialized judiciary units dedicated to countering organized crime. The judiciary is also plagued by corruption and lack of trust among citizens, with reports of judges taking bribes from traffickers to delay or dismiss cases.

Law Enforcement Challenges

The law enforcement agency faces similar challenges, with limited professional capacity leading to inadequate investigation of human trafficking cases. There are no specialized units dedicated to combating organized crime, although security forces have received training to fight specific crimes such as illegal resource exploitation and drug trafficking.

Border Issues Contribute to Organized Crime

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

• The Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa’s free movement regulations allow for statutory free movement of persons and goods between Gabon and its neighboring countries.
• This has raised concerns about the ease with which organized crime groups can operate across borders.

Economic and Financial Environment Hindering Investment

Gabon has mechanisms in place to curb money laundering, including the Financial Intelligence Unit. However, these mechanisms lack capacity to investigate and prosecute cases effectively. Anti-corruption initiatives are often seen as political tools rather than genuine efforts to combat corruption.

• The country’s economic and financial environment is also hampered by corruption, bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and inconsistency in enforcement of regulations.
• This discourages potential investors.

Civil Society Playing a Role in Fight Against Organized Crime

Civil society organizations are working closely with the government to combat organized crime, particularly human trafficking and wildlife trafficking. However, there is a lack of information on rehabilitation programs for drug abuse in Gabon.

• The media landscape in Gabon is also constrained, with limited press freedom and self- censorship among journalists due to intimidation by law enforcement and restrictions imposed by the media regulator.

Conclusion

While Gabon has made efforts to combat organized crime at an international level, its domestic efforts are hindered by weaknesses in its criminal justice system, border issues, economic and financial environment, and civil society constraints. The country’s response to organized crime remains fragmented and ineffective, requiring urgent reforms to address these challenges.