Smuggling and Trafficking: A State-Sponsored Menace

The Comoros Islands have been plagued by smuggling and trafficking, with state actors playing a significant role in facilitating these illegal activities. A new report has shed light on the alarming extent of this problem, highlighting the involvement of international syndicates, Tanzanian drug traffickers, and Madagascan nationals in vanilla smuggling and the importation of drugs and tortoises.

Weak Governance and Corruption

The Comoros government’s lackluster efforts to combat organized crime have been criticized due to corruption and political interference. The country has one of the highest corruption perceptions globally and is often described as an emerging dictatorship. The legal system in the Comoros is underdeveloped, relying on a hybrid mix of indigenous customary law, Islamic law, and French civil law.

• Courts are underresourced and overburdened
• Political interference from the executive is common practice
• Rule of law is weak, and authorities show little interest in improving standards or tackling corruption

Criminal Justice and Security

Law enforcement agencies in the Comoros are plagued by corruption, with police officers often colluding with criminal networks. Courts suffer from undue political interference, leading to a lack of trust in the formal justice system.

• Informal justice systems have become preferred methods for resolving disputes
• Contributing to a culture of impunity
• Border security is also a major concern due to limited resources and infrastructure

Economic and Financial Environment

The financial system in the Comoros is underdeveloped, lacking the capacity to estimate proceeds of illicit activity.

• The country’s economic environment is not conducive to business growth
• Entrepreneurs face limited support and regulatory capacity is extremely poor
• There is no support available for drug users

Civil Society and Social Protection

Victims of organized crime receive insufficient support.

• Human-trafficking victims often housed by government employees due to a lack of resources
• No support available for drug users
• Civil-society organizations must rely on private funding and face inadequate resources

The media landscape in the Comoros has deteriorated significantly since the 2018 referendum, with journalists facing freedom violations.

• Repressive measures have been taken against civil-society organizations and media outlets
• Some journalists have fled the country

In light of these findings, it is clear that the Comoros faces significant challenges in combating smuggling and trafficking. International cooperation and support are crucial in addressing this crisis and promoting a more stable and secure environment for the people of the Comoros.