Human Trafficking and Smuggling: The Context and the Implication of the Sudanese Government in the Crimes

Context Sudan’s long, open borders with Ethiopia and Eritrea have made it a hub for human trafficking. While the government passed the Human Trafficking Act in 2014, the involvement of official agencies—including the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), and the police—remains a critical issue. Trafficking is driven by "push" factors like conflict and unemployment in neighboring countries, and "pull" factors like Sudan's role as a gateway to Libya, Egypt, and Europe.

The Role of Government Forces It is inconceivable that complex trafficking operations could succeed without the complicity of those guarding the borders and checkpoints.

• Case 1: In 2014, a SAF Major in full uniform was arrested at a checkpoint while attempting to smuggle four Ethiopian women in a private vehicle.
• Case 2: A SAF Captain was arrested for providing "safe passage" for smugglers. He was later released due to his high-level connections.

Victim Testimonies

• Eritrean Victim: Paid $300 to reach the Sudanese border and later 1,500 SDG to traffickers to reach Khartoum. She was held in a "safe house" and eventually kicked out when she could no longer pay rent. She now works as a tea seller, her dream of reaching Europe abandoned due to the high cost.
• Ethiopian Victim: Smuggled directly to Khartoum with the help of two Sudanese border officials. He was taken to a poultry farm owned by his former employer in Ethiopia, where he now works under restrictive conditions with no legal status.

Exploitation

• Labour Exploitation: Victims are subjected to low wages, no contracts, and harsh treatment. Employers often use the victims' illegal status as leverage.
• Sexual Exploitation: Women and girls are particularly vulnerable to assault and rape by smugglers and employers. Some are forced into prostitution to survive.

Key Measures Sudan has a responsibility to prosecute those involved, especially government officials. The country must abide by the UN Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime and the 2014 Khartoum Declaration, which calls for regional cooperation and the integration of anti-trafficking measures into social development programs.

Conclusion The rise in trafficking and the complicity of security forces require an honest national discourse. A comprehensive approach must involve civil society and the victims themselves to address the root causes and the government's lack of genuine determination.