Organized Crime Assessment: São Tomé and Príncipe

Introduction

This report provides an assessment of organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe, a small island nation off the coast of West Africa. The country’s location near the Gulf of Guinea makes it vulnerable to various threats.

Organized Crime Threats

Maritime Piracy

Maritime piracy is a significant threat due to the country’s location near the Gulf of Guinea. This poses a risk to international shipping and trade in the region.

Foreign Criminal Actors

Foreign criminal actors are involved in drug trafficking through the islands, exploiting São Tomé and Príncipe’s geographic position for illicit activities.

Local Gangs

Local gangs engage in petty crime, but have limited involvement with larger criminal markets. However, their presence can still contribute to a sense of insecurity in the country.

Resilience

Government Efforts

The government has made efforts to combat organized crime, including creating stricter rules and launching investigations into corruption allegations.

International Cooperation

São Tomé and Príncipe has ratified international treaties concerning transnational organized crime and engages in information exchanges with regional and global partners.

Extradition Challenges

However, the country’s Constitution prohibits the extradition of its citizens, which can hinder efforts to bring foreign criminals to justice.

Criminal Justice and Security

Judicial System

The judicial system is subject to political influence or manipulation in some cases. This can undermine the rule of law and create an environment conducive to organized crime.

Infrastructure Challenges

The judiciary suffers from budgetary and financial difficulties, a deficit of specialized personnel, and lack of infrastructure.

Prison Conditions

Prison conditions are difficult due to overcrowding, infrastructure, and service failures.

Economic and Financial Environment

Illicit Financial Activity

There is little evidence of large-scale illicit financial activity such as money laundering in São Tomé and Príncipe.

Anti-Money Laundering Protocol

However, the country’s Anti-Money Laundering and Countering the Financing of Terrorism protocol does not meet global standards.

Assistance for Victims

There are no established assistance programs for victims of organized crime in São Tomé and Príncipe.

NGOs and Funding Challenges

NGOs face funding challenges, but can operate independently to address issues such as child labor.

Freedom of the Press

Freedom of the press is constitutionally guaranteed, but self-censorship is common.

Conclusion

Overall, while São Tomé and Príncipe has made efforts to combat organized crime, it still faces significant challenges in this area. The country’s small size, fragile economy, and limited resources make it vulnerable to external shocks and illicit financial activity.