Authorities have rescued 64 victims of human
trafficking and people smuggling during an
INTERPOL-coordinated operation in Mali.
The victims – mostly women and girls – were
rescued from sexual exploitation forced labour in
the mining sector, as well as forced begging.
Operation Horonya, which means ‘freedom’ in
Bambara, took place from 3 to 11 October to
support the Malian authorities to identify and
dismantle the criminal groups operating in the
country and more widely across the region.
Police also conducted raids at known trafficking
and smuggling hotspots in the country. The nearly
70 victims identified and rescued came from
Burkina Faso, Guinea, Mali and Nigeria and were
working in bars, homes and mining sites.
Among them were three young boys rescued from
an illegally operated Koranic school, where they
were allegedly forced to beg for money. Four
suspected traffickers have been detained awaiting
sentencing. .
We should recall that Mali serves as major transit country for human
traffickers who target the most vulnerable members
of society. Investigations are ongoing to identify
additional suspects.
Young-po Reporters 