Women, children at risk as Niger expands community-based anti-trafficking strategy

Authorities, international partners, and community stakeholders in Niger’s southeastern Zinder Region have intensified efforts to combat human trafficking through a new wave of community-based sensitisation and early-warning mechanisms targeting vulnerable populations.

This, according to a statement by the International Organization for Migration (IOM), follows a high-level forum held on June 16, 2026, in Zinder, where local leaders, transport operators, security and technical services, and protection actors gathered to strengthen grassroots prevention of human trafficking in one of Niger’s key transit and mobility corridors.

It noted that the initiative was organised under the leadership of Massalatchi Mahaman Sani, Governor of Zinder, in collaboration with the Agence nationale de lutte contre la traite des personnes (ANLTP) and with technical support from IOM.

Officials at the forum stressed that communities remain the first line of defence in detecting, preventing, and reporting trafficking cases, particularly in regions characterised by high population movement and cross-border migration.

Sani noted that while Niger has a legal framework to combat trafficking, citing the 2010 anti-trafficking ordinance, government efforts alone are not sufficient without strong community involvement.

He emphasised that transporters, local leaders, and residents play a critical role in identifying suspicious movements, protecting vulnerable individuals, and triggering timely referrals to relevant authorities.

Data presented by the IOM highlighted the continued prevalence of human trafficking in Niger, particularly affecting women and children.

According to the organisation’s findings, more than 660 victims received integrated assistance between 2017 and 2021, including medical care, psychosocial support, legal aid, shelter, and reintegration assistance.

The majority of identified cases were recorded in Zinder, Agadez, and Niamey.

Women and girls accounted for about 69 per cent of victims, while children made up roughly 37 per cent, underscoring what experts describe as an urgent protection gap in migration corridors.

Ousmane Mamane, director-general of ANLTP warned that trafficking in persons in Niger continues to manifest in several forms, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, and forced begging.

Participants at the forum noted that transport unions and community-based networks are strategically positioned to identify trafficking risks early, especially along busy migration routes.

By engaging drivers, conductors, and local guides, authorities aim to improve surveillance at the grassroots level and strengthen referral pathways for victims and at-risk individuals.

According to the statement, the approach reflects a shift toward community-led protection systems designed to complement formal law enforcement structures.

The IOM reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Nigerien authorities in strengthening prevention systems and improving victim protection services.

The organisation said combating trafficking requires sustained collaboration between government agencies, local communities, and international partners.

He added that strengthening referral mechanisms at the community level is essential to ensuring that victims are quickly identified and assisted.

Following the Zinder forum, sensitisation campaigns would be extend to the departments of Matameye and Magaria, both of which are considered strategic transit points for migration flows.

Authorities say the next phase will focus on deepening public awareness, encouraging reporting of suspected trafficking cases, and improving coordination between communities and protection services.

Stakeholders at the forum agreed that sustained progress against human trafficking will depend on embedding prevention mechanisms within local communities, particularly in high-risk mobility corridors.

They called for continuous awareness campaigns, improved training for frontline actors, and stronger trust between residents and security institutions.