São Tomé and Príncipe: A Fragile Economy and Vulnerability to External Shocks

Overview

São Tomé and Príncipe, an island nation in West Africa, faces significant economic challenges and high vulnerability to external shocks. Despite having a relatively positive record for upholding civil liberties and democratic norms, corruption remains a major concern.

Criminal Activity: A Growing Threat

• Corruption within the state, particularly in the judiciary, is a pressing issue that could exacerbate vulnerabilities.
• Organized crime threats include:
  • Possible terrorism from maritime piracy in the Gulf of Guinea
  • Foreign criminal actors managing drug trafficking through the islands
  • Local gangs involved in petty crimes such as theft and robbery

Law Enforcement: Limited Capacity

The law enforcement agency struggles with:

• Lack of necessary equipment
• Qualified human resources shortages, limiting its ability to respond to and curb criminality
• Dependence on Portuguese and foreign vessels and warships for combating maritime crime

Economic and Financial Environment

While there is little evidence of 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. The regulatory and supervisory processes lack capacity to respond to money laundering and terrorist financing risks.

Civil Society and Social Protection

• No established assistance programmes for victims of organized crime
• Lack of an explicit organized crime prevention policy
• NGOs are not restricted from operating, but funding constraints hinder their ability to operate independently and effectively

Note: This summary was funded in part by a grant from the United States Department of State.