On October 22, Free the Slaves convened a high-level meeting in Dakar to address the urgent crisis of sexual exploitation affecting hundreds of girls and women in the gold mining zones of Kédougou. The meeting brought together Senegalese authorities, international partners, and regional experts to strengthen coordinated action in response to the growing humanitarian emergency.
Context: Trafficking in the Kédougou Mining Region
Kédougou, located in southeastern Senegal, has seen rapid expansion of artisanal and small-scale gold mining. Alongside this growth, the region has become a hotspot for trafficking and forced sexual exploitation. Girls and women—from Senegal and neighboring countries such as Guinea, Nigeria, and Ghana—are frequently deceived with promises of legitimate employment before being forced to engage in commercial sex. The scale and severity of the exploitation demand urgent, collective intervention.
Strategic Dialogue for Immediate Response
The Dakar meeting served as a platform for planning concrete, coordinated steps to support survivors and disrupt trafficking networks. Discussions focused on:
- Strengthening victim identification in mining communities
- Expanding access to trauma-informed social and legal services
- Improving cross-border coordination to address recruitment and transit routes
- Mobilizing emergency funding to help women escape and reintegrate into their communities
Free the Slaves emphasized the need for survivor-centered responses that prioritize safety, dignity, and long-term empowerment.
Partnership and Shared Commitment
The meeting included contributions from international organizations such as the Center on Human Trafficking Research and Outreach (CenHTRO) from the University of Georgia, which has conducted extensive research on trafficking patterns in Kédougou. Senegalese government representatives reaffirmed their commitment to combating trafficking and pledged closer collaboration with civil society partners. The meeting concluded with agreement to pursue the establishment of a multi-agency task force to coordinate operations and victim support services. Participants underscored that delays risk further harm to vulnerable girls and women—making prompt action essential.
Looking Ahead
This meeting marks a critical step in elevating national and international attention to trafficking in Kédougou. It reflects a shared recognition that sexual exploitation in mining zones is not only a local concern but a regional crisis requiring sustained, collaborative action. Free the Slaves will continue to work alongside government partners, survivor networks, and international allies to advance protection, prevention, and pathways to freedom for those affected.
