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Trafficking in Persons Crackdowns: Ethiopia, Kenya and Malawi

Human trafficking remains a critical issue in many nations. Security agencies in Ethiopia and Malawi have increased efforts to dismantle trafficking networks and address irregular immigration. Investigations reveal the involvement of travel agencies, officials, and brokers in these activities. Successful operations in Ethiopia, Kenya, Somalia, and Malawi highlight the crisis's severity and the need for ongoing measures, including stronger border security, improved intelligence-sharing, and better legal frameworks, to combat exploitation.

 

Human Trafficking Crackdowns in Ethiopia

The Ethiopian National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) recently dismantled one of the country’s largest human trafficking networks, arresting 49 travel agency owners and confiscating key documents, including Ethiopian passports and airline tickets. This network was responsible for trafficking approximately 15,000 Ethiopians between June 2023 and August 2024, exposing victims to severe human rights violations such as forced labour, sexual exploitation, psychological trauma, organ theft, and even death (Horn Observer Contributor 2024).

Security expert and former Ethiopian intelligence officer Dr. Alemayehu Tesfaye, stressed the significance of this crackdown, stating, “This operation is a major step forward in our fight against human trafficking. However, dismantling networks alone is not enough, we need systemic reforms and stronger international cooperation to prevent future cases” (Horn Observer Contributor 2024).

 

Human Trafficking Crackdowns in Kenya

In Kenya, a parallel investigation exposed government agencies infiltrated by traffickers. Authorities arrested 12 individuals involved in a visa fraud scheme, where Kenyan citizens were charged exorbitant fees for fraudulent U.S. visa and Green Card applications (Cerullo 2024).

Journalist Francis Odee, who has covered the Kenyan trafficking crisis extensively, remarked, “The level of corruption within government institutions facilitating trafficking is alarming. Unless authorities implement stricter vetting processes and oversight mechanisms, traffickers will continue exploiting desperate individuals” (Horn Observer Contributor 2024).

 

Human Trafficking Crackdowns in Malawi

The Malawi Defence Force (MDF) recently confirmed the repatriation of eight Ethiopian nationals suspected of human trafficking activities. According to MDF Spokesperson Major Emmanuel Mlelemba, these individuals were among 220 people apprehended at the Dzaleka Refugee Camp in July 2024 for lacking valid immigration permits (Donga 2025).

The operation was part of a coordinated effort between MDF and other security agencies to curb illegal migration and human trafficking in the region. Major Mlelemba emphasized the importance of these measures, stating, “The repatriation process is crucial in deterring trafficking operations. We remain committed to working alongside our partners to safeguard national security and protect vulnerable individuals.”

The collaborative efforts by security agencies in Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, and other nations underscore the significance of the human trafficking crisis and the necessity of multifaceted interventions. While the recent crackdowns signify progress in dismantling trafficking networks, they also highlight the pervasive role of corruption and systemic flaws that enable such exploitation. Moving forward, stronger border security, enhanced intelligence-sharing, and robust legal frameworks are essential. Equally important are cross-border collaborations and public awareness initiatives that prioritize the protection of vulnerable populations and ensure accountability for perpetrators. Only through sustained vigilance and cooperation can nations hope to eradicate the plague of human trafficking.

 

References

Cerullo, Timothy. 2024. Senior Foreign Affairs Official Among 3 Charged Over Multi-Million Fraud. 14 November. Accessed March 11, 2025. https://www.kenyans.co.ke/news/106375-senior-foreign-affairs-official-among-3-charged-over-multi-million-fraud.

Donga, Grace Kantchentche. 2025. MDF repatriates eight Ethiopian nationals amid human trafficking concerns. 07 02. Accessed 03 07, 2025. https://www.capitalradiomalawi.com/2025/02/02/mdf-repatriates-eight-ethiopian-nationals-amid-human-trafficking-concerns/.

Horn Observer Contributor. 2024. Ethiopia Cracks Down on Major Human Trafficking Network Amid East African Crisis. 07 September. Accessed 03 07, 2025. https://hornobserver.com/articles/2948/Ethiopia-Cracks-Down-on-Major-Human-Trafficking-Network-Amid-East-African-Crisis.

Interpol. 2021. “Human trafficking into the Southern Region.” Interpol. June. Accessed 03 03, 2025. https://www.interpol.int/content/download/16587/file/2021%2008%2009%20PUBLIC%20VERSION%20human%20trafficking%20V11.pdf?inLanguage=eng-GB.

IOM. 2015. “Human trafficking & Smuggling of migrants.” IOM. )ctober. Accessed 03 03, 20225. https://eastandhornofafrica.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl701/files/documents/Human%20trafficking%20and%20smuggling%20of%20Migrants%20-%20state%20of%20play%20in%20the%20IGAD%20....pdf?form=MG0AV3.

U.S. Department of State. 2022. 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report: Somalia. Accessed 03 07, 2025. https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-trafficking-in-persons-report/somalia/?form=MG0AV3.

 

Photo by FMT

 

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