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Cabo Verde’s Institutions Strained Amid Pandemic

In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cabo Verde has been grappling with a range of challenges that have put a strain on its institutions. The country’s reliance on international cooperation to address various issues, including drug trafficking and organized crime, has become more critical than ever.

Challenges Faced by Institutions

According to experts, there is typically a high level of trust in Cabo Verde’s institutions, particularly the armed forces and the office of the president. However, the economic impact of the pandemic has taken its toll, increasing the risk of corruption and the potential influence of organized criminal groups.

International Cooperation

Cabo Verde has been collaborating with international partners, including Portugal, Spain, the UK, and the US, to combat drug trafficking and strengthen the monitoring of its international waters. The country has also ratified several relevant conventions and engaged in projects funded by the EU and other organizations to combat organized crime.

Judicial System Challenges

Despite these efforts, Cabo Verde’s judicial system faces challenges related to capacity, access to justice, and the protection of citizens’ legal rights. The country’s lack of capacity to investigate serious crimes forensically and its limited capabilities to deal with cyber-crimes have raised concerns.

Proposed Legislative Amendments

The government has proposed legislative amendments to enhance measures against money laundering, terrorism financing, and weapons proliferation, in accordance with international recommendations. However, the issue of criminal recidivism remains a significant concern.

Police Efforts

Cabo Verde’s police force is working to implement community policing strategies to combat crime and enhance public safety. The country has also made efforts to improve prison management and has recorded some notable prosecutions, particularly in cases related to human trafficking.

Weak Enforcement of Legislation

However, enforcement of legislation criminalizing online child sexual abuse materials is considered weak, with insufficient supervision and application of fines. Inadequate staffing and resource limitations have hindered the presence of the police throughout the country, impeding the identification of victims, the investigation of crimes, and the collection of comprehensive data.

Technology in Law Enforcement

The government has also turned to technology to bolster citizens’ sense of security and deter criminal activities, including urban video surveillance and monitoring public spaces. Nevertheless, the country’s porous borders and limited resources have complicated efforts to control and monitor its extensive territorial waters and borders.

Economic Challenges Loom

Cabo Verde’s location as a transit point for narcotics exposes it to vulnerabilities related to money laundering and associated criminal activities. While the country is not currently considered to have significant anti-money laundering deficiencies, there are still gaps in its AML framework and systems that need to be addressed.

Impact of Pandemic on Economy

The pandemic has had a severe impact on the tourism sector, which plays a crucial role in Cabo Verde’s economy. The country’s service sector, including commerce, transport, tourism, and public services, is heavily reliant on external factors such as development aid, foreign investment, remittances, and global economic recovery.

Challenges for Private Businesses

Private business owners often encounter legal and bureaucratic inefficiency as well as corruption, which can pose challenges to their operations. The government has implemented measures to address the high level of public sector debt resulting from the pandemic and is working to implement appropriate economic policies and reforms.

Civil Society Plays Crucial Role

Cabo Verde’s civil society remains active and alert, particularly in prevention efforts. However, there has been a decline in press freedom over the years. The government still appoints directors of state-owned media outlets, leading to a prioritization of government policies.

Police Use of Technology

The country’s police force is increasingly adopting new technologies, such as video surveillance systems, to prevent criminal activity and ensure public safety. Civil society organizations provide support to victims of trafficking and other crimes, although there are currently no shelters specifically for trafficking victims.

Conclusion

Overall, Cabo Verde faces significant challenges in the midst of the pandemic. While the country has made progress in addressing organized crime and human trafficking, it must continue to work with international partners to address these issues. The government’s ability to implement appropriate economic policies and reforms will also be crucial in determining the country’s future outlook.