ANGOLA: Mafia-Style Groups Emerge in Urban Centers as Corruption Remains Widespread

Luanda, Angola - A Worrying Trend

In recent years, mafia-style groups have begun to emerge in Angola’s urban centers, particularly in Luanda. According to sources close to the government, these groups are involved in multiple criminal markets, including illegal drugs and firearms trafficking.

Factors Fueling Growth

• Weak police presence
• Corruption

These groups have managed to gain access to weapons left over from the civil war and arms from private security companies. While no extortion activities have been reported yet, experts believe that it is only a matter of time before these groups establish strong control over their territories.

Government Efforts

The Angolan authorities have dismantled several small mafia-style groups in recent years, but the true nature of these organizations and their involvement in criminal markets remains unclear. President João Lourenço has faced criticism for using anti-corruption measures as a political tool rather than a means of eradicating corruption.

Corruption Remains Widespread

• Many citizens reporting a decline in corruption
• Believing that the government’s efforts against it are weak

The country’s institutional anti-corruption framework remains inadequate, and government transparency and accountability are poor. The extractive industries, in particular, remain opaque, making them prone to transnational bribery and corruption.

Judicial System Under Fire

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• Lack of independence and impartiality
• Judges nominated by the president
• Overcrowding in prisons and a lack of access to basic rights for inmates

The judicial system lacks human and financial resources, leading to overcrowding in prisons and a lack of access to basic rights for inmates.

Police Impunity Worries

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• Corruption and lack of resources and training
• Reports of arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings, particularly against political activists and protesters

The police force is also plagued by corruption and a lack of resources and training. There have been reports of arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings, particularly against political activists and protesters.

Cyber-Attacks on the Rise

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• Many citizens reporting that the government is unable to address the issue effectively

Angola has also become increasingly vulnerable to cyber-attacks, with many citizens reporting that the government is unable to address the issue effectively.

Economic Challenges

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• Corruption continues to be a major obstacle for businesses operating in the country
• The judicial system is often seen as opaque and cumbersome

Despite efforts to improve transparency and accountability, Angola’s economy remains challenging. Corruption continues to be a major obstacle for businesses operating in the country, and the judicial system is often seen as opaque and cumbersome.

Civil Society Under Pressure

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• Limited freedom of speech and physical persecution
• Many citizens still feel that their voices are not being heard

Civil society groups have faced challenges in recent years, including limited freedom of speech and physical persecution. Despite improvements made by the current leadership, many citizens still feel that their voices are not being heard.

Conclusion

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In an effort to address these issues, the government has launched initiatives such as a national plan to combat human trafficking and a new penal code. However, more needs to be done to tackle corruption and improve transparency and accountability.