Is Slavery Still in Existence in Our Modern-Day Africa?

Photo source: Converseer

The harrowing story of Naima Jamal, a 20-year-old Ethiopian woman abducted and tortured by human traffickers in Libya, is a painful reminder that slavery is not a relic of Africa’s past but a grim reality of its present.

In May 2024, Naima was reportedly kidnapped alongside her boyfriend in Kufra, Libya, where she was subjected to brutal torture as traffickers demanded a $6,000 ransom. Her case is not isolated—thousands of African migrants have faced similar fates, sold in modern-day slave markets across Libya.

Despite the abolition of slavery in the 19th century, it persists in new forms across Africa. Human trafficking, forced labor, and descent-based slavery continue to thrive, often unnoticed by the global community. Libya remains one of the most notorious hotspots, where desperate migrants attempting to reach Europe are captured, auctioned, and subjected to forced labor or sexual exploitation. A 2017 CNN investigation exposed the chilling reality of open slave markets in Libya, where African migrants were sold for as little as $400.

Beyond Libya, modern slavery exists in Mauritania, where some communities still practice descent-based slavery, with entire generations born into servitude. In Sudan, reports indicate cases of forced labor and abduction, particularly in conflict zones. West African countries like Nigeria and Ghana also face severe human trafficking problems, with women and children being trafficked into domestic servitude and forced prostitution.

Economic hardship, political instability, and weak law enforcement have allowed slavery to persist in these regions. Many African migrants, fleeing poverty or conflict, fall victim to traffickers who exploit their desperation. Corruption within government institutions further complicates efforts to dismantle trafficking networks.

Efforts to combat modern slavery require stronger policies, international collaboration, and grassroots activism. Governments must strengthen border security, enforce anti-trafficking laws, and provide economic opportunities to vulnerable populations. Education and awareness are also crucial in preventing young Africans from falling prey to traffickers.

Naima Jamal’s case is a call to action. If Africa truly wants to break free from its dark history, it must confront modern slavery with the urgency it deserves. Slavery is not history—it is happening now.