Mafia-Style Gangs Terrorize Luanda, Targeting Large Cash Withdrawals

A worrying trend has emerged in Angola’s capital city, Luanda, where collaboration between thieves and banks has led to a surge in violent attacks on individuals withdrawing large sums of money. These gangs, armed with weapons left over from the civil war and corrupt security company leftovers, use their access to firepower to intimidate and extort cash from unsuspecting victims.

Weak Police Presence Contributes to Rise of Mafia-Style Groups

The weak police presence in poor urban neighborhoods is thought to be contributing to the emergence of these mafia-style groups. These groups are still in a state of flux, lacking strong control over territories and engaging in little extortion or levy activity. However, the levels of violence are extremely high, with victims often being targeted for large cash withdrawals.

Angolan Organized Crime Groups Entrench Their Grip

Meanwhile, Angolan organized criminal groups continue to exert significant influence across multiple criminal markets, including wildlife trafficking and forestry. These groups bring violence, insecurity, environmental damage, and economic harm to the country, and are reportedly receiving protection from corrupt police officers. The activity of these groups is increasing, with little indication that the authorities are able to effectively combat their operations.

State-Embedded Actors Remain a Major Threat

Despite President João Lourenço’s anti-corruption efforts, state-embedded actors continue to pose a significant threat to Angola’s stability and economy. The prosecution of high-profile cases, including those against former President José Eduardo dos Santos’ daughter Isabel Dos Santos, have brought attention to the widespread corruption and financial crimes perpetrated by these actors.

However, many believe that the current prosecutions are selective and will not substantially alter the entrenched structures of state capture. State-embedded actors remain the most powerful criminal actors in Angola’s organized crime landscape.

Foreign Criminals Also Active

In addition to domestic criminal groups, foreign criminals are also operating in Angola. The country’s extensive borders and long coastline make it vulnerable to cross-border crimes, including drug trafficking, ivory poaching, and human smuggling.

Economic Challenges Mount

Angola is struggling to recover from the economic shock caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and a sharp decline in oil prices. The country’s banking system remains vulnerable to corrupt elites, making it difficult for businesses to operate successfully. The government’s efforts to restore investor confidence are ongoing, but much work remains to be done.

Civil Society Faces Challenges

Despite some improvements, civil society organizations in Angola continue to face significant challenges. Freedom of the press is limited, and criminal defamation laws remain in place, leading to self-censorship by journalists. Civil society groups are often suppressed, and their protest actions are met with force.

In this complex and challenging environment, it remains unclear whether the Angolan government will be able to effectively combat organized crime and corruption, or whether these issues will continue to plague the country for years to come.