Angola’s Hidden Threat: Mafia-Style Gangs Emerge Amid Weak Governance

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Angola is facing a new threat in its urban centers, particularly in Luanda. Mafia-style gangs have begun to take shape, involved in multiple criminal markets such as drug trafficking and firearms smuggling. These groups have exploited the country’s weak law enforcement presence.

The Rise of Mafia-Style Gangs

According to local sources, these gangs have gained access to weapons leftover from the civil war and arms from private security companies. While authorities have dismantled several small-scale mafia-style groups in 2021 and 2022, the true extent of their involvement in criminal activities remains unclear.

The Government’s Efforts

The government has made efforts against organized crime and corruption, but many Angolans are skeptical about the president’s intentions. President João Lourenço’s popularity has declined significantly since the second half of his term due to economic difficulties and perceived lack of tangible improvements in citizens’ lives.

Challenges in Leadership and Governance

Angola’s institutional framework against corruption remains inadequate, with poor government transparency and accountability.
The country’s extractive industries are prone to transnational bribery and corruption, remaining opaque.
The legislative framework on organized crime is robust but often ineffective due to lack of resources and training for law enforcement officials.

Challenges in Criminal Justice and Security

Angola’s prisons are overcrowded, with many inmates denied basic human rights.
Border police have struggled to monitor extensive borders and coastline, leading to concerns over smuggling and trafficking of people.
The government has attempted to improve law enforcement capacity, but corruption and lack of resources remain major obstacles.

Economic and Financial Environment: Challenges Ahead

Angola’s economic regulatory systems fail to meet international standards, with few oversight and auditing measures in place.
The country remains vulnerable to money laundering and corruption despite efforts to restore investor confidence.

Government support for human trafficking victims is ineffective due to limited resources and staff available to investigate claims.
Legal frameworks for victim support are inefficient in practice due to financial constraints.
Freedom of the press remains limited, with criminal defamation laws and cyber-attacks used to censor journalists.

Conclusion

Angola’s mafia-style gangs pose a significant threat to the country’s stability and security. The government needs to address its weak governance, inadequate institutional framework, and corruption to effectively combat organized crime and protect its citizens.