The Government has made significant progress toward a market-based economy since independence. After a 5-year decline, overall production began to increase in 1996. The agricultural sector, traditionally accounting for over one-third of national employment and production, has been slow to privatize. However, living standards for many citizens continue to decline. The Government generally respected the human rights of its citizens in some areas, but serious problems remain in others.
Democratic institutions are weak.
The Government infringed on citizens' right to change their government. The legal structure, including the Constitution adopted in 1995, does not fully safeguard human rights. Members of the security forces often beat or otherwise abused detainees, and harsh prison conditions continued to deteriorate. There were allegations of arbitrary arrest, and prolonged detention is a problem. The judiciary remains under the control of the President and the executive branch, and corruption is deeply rooted.