Niger’s Struggle Against Organized Crime: Corruption, Violence, and Instability

Despite efforts to combat organized crime, Niger continues to grapple with corruption, violence, and instability, posing significant challenges for its government and people.

Non-State Armed Groups and Smuggling Routes

In recent years, non-state armed groups in northern Mali have exerted significant control over smuggling routes between Mali and Niger, maintaining connections with influential political figures in Niger. Chadian armed groups are also increasingly involved in criminal activities, particularly in northern Niger and the Chad-Libya-Niger triangle.

Government Efforts and Challenges

The Nigerien government has attempted to address these issues, but its effectiveness has been limited. The primary focus of the government is addressing violent extremism and irregular migration, under pressure from international partners. However:

• Corruption remains a significant concern, with transactional corruption prevalent across state institutions and law enforcement.
• Nepotism is widespread at lower levels of the judiciary, leading to a lack of public trust.

Judicial System Challenges

The judiciary is also plagued by corruption, with concerns about executive interference and low salaries contributing to inefficiency and an overwhelming caseload. Additionally:

• Security forces frequently accept bribes from smugglers.
• The country’s porous borders make it vulnerable to foreign violent extremist groups, which pose a significant threat to national security.

Economic and Financial Environment

Niger’s anti-money laundering efforts focus primarily on combating terrorism financing. However:

• The financial oversight infrastructure remains weak and ineffective.
• The informal economy represents a significant portion of the country’s economic activity.

Civil Society Role in Combating Organized Crime

Civil society plays a limited role in combating organized crime, with only a few UN-sponsored initiatives in place. Human trafficking victim support receives international support, but cases of sexual exploitation involving peacekeepers have been reported without adequate investigation or disciplinary action.

Economic Recovery and Fiscal Challenges

The government relies heavily on foreign donor resources to support its fiscal budget, and taxation policies for the extractive sector continue to be insufficient in mobilizing and managing domestic resources for economic recovery. The country’s economy recovered in 2022 after two years of weak growth, but significant challenges remain.

Conclusion

Niger faces a complex web of security threats, including violent extremism, organized crime, and instability, which pose significant challenges for its government and people. Addressing these issues will require:

• Sustained international support
• Effective governance
• Strong law enforcement institutions