Human Trafficking in the Horn of Africa with Emphasis on the Eastern Route to the Gulf States through Djibouti

Human trafficking is a global issue involving myriad drivers and forms of exploitation due to the involvement of various actors. This research explored human trafficking in the Horn of Africa (HoA), focusing on the eastern route to the Gulf States through Djibouti. Using a phenomenology study design, interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with 18 participants. The data were analysed using a thematic analysis technique. The findings revealed that various drivers, including community perceptions of migration, political conditions, and social media platforms, drive human trafficking in the HoA. The findings further indicated that the HoA has become a hotspot for various forms of human trafficking, including commoditisation for forced labour and sexual exploitation and trafficking for ransom. The findings suggest that governments in the HoA should focus on changing community perceptions of migration by creating a democratic political culture and raising awareness about the advantages and disadvantages of social media platforms to curb human trafficking. Findings reveal the necessity of a more sophisticated study investigating the various drivers contributing to human trafficking and forms of human trafficking in the HoA.