Human Trafficking As the Reflection of Historical Exploitation: A Case Study of West Africa

In the 21st century, human trafficking, often referred to as modern-day slavery, mirrors the exploitation of the 17th-century Transatlantic African slave trade, with similar methods of deception, coercion, and force used to exploit vulnerable individuals. Historically, African slaves were forcibly transported to the Americas, serving as chattel for labour, sex, and reproduction, exchanged for goods like guns, trucks, and money. Similarly, human trafficking today has evolved into a global enterprise, driven by institutions, criminal organizations, and opportunistic agents who prey on those impacted by socio-economic and environmental factors. This paper argues that human trafficking, like historic slavery, involves absolute power and control over its victims, undermining their freedom. Victims, like African slaves, are forced to comply with their traffickers’ dictates, working for someone else’s gain. Beyond the commonly known trafficking for prostitution and nightclub work, individuals are also trafficked for domestic labour, forced marriages, and even false adoptions. Despite their victimhood, modern-day slaves are not passive in their struggle for freedom. They navigate complex institutional and cultural barriers in attempts to break free from oppression. Many victims are coerced into binding agreements with traffickers through spiritual rituals, and swearing of oaths to voodoo priests. This psychological control, reinforced by cultural beliefs, often makes physical violence unnecessary. However, victims are increasingly defying these spiritual and social constraints, speaking up to authorities and exposing their captors. Through a qualitative content analysis of narratives from human trafficking survivors from selected countries in West Africa, this paper demonstrates that the concept of freedom is multifaceted. Victims’ experiences highlight various levels of freedom that are often overlooked, suggesting that the notion of freedom for the enslaved should be understood from a pluralistic perspective.