Financial Crime World

Niger: A Hub for Criminal Activities

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Background

Malian non-state armed groups have exerted significant control over smuggling routes between Mali and Niger, maintaining connections with influential political figures in Niger. This has further solidified their grip on the region.

Chadian armed groups are increasingly involved in criminal activities, particularly in northern Niger and the Chad-Niger-Libya triangle. The situation has been exacerbated by the presence of violent extremist groups, including IS Sahel and JNIM, as well as Nigeria-based groups such as Boko Haram.

Leadership and Governance

The government of Niger has made some efforts to address organized crime, but its primary focus remains on addressing violent extremism and irregular migration. The country has implemented stricter measures on migratory routes and enforced a 2015 law on illegal trafficking of migrants, although human smuggling dynamics still remain a significant component of illicit economies.

However, Niger’s political elite and security apparatus have been suspected of involvement in the illicit economy. Concerns regarding political rights and civil liberties have not been addressed by the government, and anti-corruption agencies have faced criticism for their lack of independence.

Key Issues

  • Political elite and security apparatus involved in illicit economy
  • Lack of independence within anti-corruption agencies
  • Transactional corruption across state institutions

Criminal Justice and Security

The judicial system in Niger is characterized by a certain level of independence, but concerns persist regarding executive interference and corruption. The judiciary often fails to hold high-ranking politicians criminally accountable, leading to a lack of public trust.

Law enforcement structures in Niger continue to grapple with corruption, despite being perceived as a strong deterrent for many types of crimes. Security forces frequently accept bribes from intercepted smugglers or from smugglers seeking release from jail.

Key Issues

  • Executive interference and corruption within the judiciary
  • Lack of independence within law enforcement agencies
  • Nepotism and inefficiency within the justice system

Economic and Financial Environment

Anti-money laundering efforts in Niger focus primarily on combating terrorism financing, but the financial oversight infrastructure remains weak and ineffective. The informal economy represents a significant portion of the country’s economic activity, leading to low levels of transparency and accountability.

Niger faces significant challenges in its economic regulatory environment, including food insecurity, limited industrialization, high population growth, and a lack of employment opportunities. Foreign investment has declined due to the presence of violent extremist groups, criminal organizations, and rebel groups.

Key Issues

  • Weak financial oversight infrastructure
  • High levels of corruption within the private sector
  • Limited transparency and accountability in the informal economy

Civil Society and Social Protection

Human trafficking victim and witness support in Niger receives significant support from international organizations. The country has introduced a national referral mechanism and established a government-operated shelter to provide care for identified trafficking victims.

However, there has been a decrease in the number of identified victims compared to previous reporting periods. The role of civil society in combating organized crime is limited, with only a few UN-sponsored initiatives in place. Civil society members have expressed concern about repression, alleging that the government has exploited the COVID-19 pandemic to arrest or silence them.

Key Issues

  • Limited support for human trafficking victims and witnesses
  • Repression of civil society organizations
  • Lack of independence within anti-trafficking efforts

Conclusion

Niger remains a hub for criminal activities, with corruption and insecurity posing significant challenges for its citizens. The government must take concrete steps to address these issues and ensure the protection of its people.

Recommendations

  • Strengthen governance and anti-corruption efforts
  • Improve transparency and accountability within the private sector
  • Support civil society organizations in combating organized crime
  • Address political rights and civil liberties concerns