Organized Crime in Mozambique: A Growing Concern

Mozambique is considered one of the most vulnerable countries to organized crime, with significant challenges in its security apparatus, public services, and human rights. This article will explore the extent of corruption within the state apparatus, law enforcement’s involvement in crime areas, and the government’s reluctance to address these issues.

Corruption: A Systemic Issue

• Corruption is widespread and systemic within the Mozambican state apparatus.
• Law enforcement officials are known to be involved in various crime areas.
• The government lacks transparency and accountability, with limited implementation of oversight mechanisms.
• Bureaucracy is increased without hampering corruption.

Illicit Political Financing

• The government has little incentive to disrupt the status quo due to illicit political financing.
• This includes manipulation of public procurement, donations from businesspeople seeking influence in the government, and from the illicit economy such as drug trafficking, smuggling of natural resources, and tax evasion.

International Cooperation

• Mozambique has signed most of the relevant international treaties for organized crime but only engages in limited international cooperation.
• Although it has been publicly reluctant to receive foreign support to fight the insurgency in Cabo Delgado, it has accepted offers from countries like Rwanda and organizations like the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to deploy troops or assist with military training programs.

Judiciary System

• The Mozambican judiciary system is plagued by corruption.
• There are no specialized units aimed at countering organized crime.
• Staffing and resourcing remain a challenge, with significant regional disparities.

Law Enforcement

• Law enforcement in Mozambique suffers from poor equipment and ineffective specialized units to combat organized crime.
• Evidence indicates widespread corruption within law enforcement.

Vulnerabilities

• The country’s extensive land boundaries, lengthy coastline, and numerous islands make it difficult to control illicit crossings and smuggling.
• Mozambique is considered vulnerable to money laundering due to low cooperation among stakeholders and weak case management, skills, and resources.
• The ongoing conflict in the north is intensifying pressure on Mozambique to address its challenges in combating money laundering and terrorist financing.

Prevention Strategies

• Prevention strategies against organized crime are limited.
• Community involvement in preventative measures is also low.

Challenges for Civil Liberties and Press Freedom

• Mozambique continues to have serious limitations on civil liberties and political rights.
• Press freedom has declined in recent years, especially in the conflict-ridden north, where journalists are at risk of incarceration or attacks.