West Africa: Human Trafficking a Growing Menace for Africa

A growing number of Africans are being trafficked and exploited along migration routes to Europe and the Middle East. Experts say more urgent international cooperation can curb the disturbing trend.

Human trafficking and migrant smuggling are on the rise in West Africa.

More than 15,000 Nigerian women and girls who were trying to make their way to Europe are currently stranded in Mali, according to the Nigerian Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP).

One victim, Mary Bello,…