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Photo by: U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs 

The Department of Defense’s Combating Trafficking in Persons (CTIP) Program Management Office (PMO) conducted a site visit to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), aiming to address the significant challenges of human trafficking, including child soldiering, across Africa.

Human trafficking in Africa manifests in various forms, such as sex trafficking, forced labor, and child soldiering. According to the U.S. State Department and the 2023 Index of Organized Crime, nations like Eritrea, Libya, and Sudan rank among the highest globally for trafficking activities. These activities often serve as funding mechanisms for organized crime syndicates and terrorist organizations. Child labor remains a critical issue, affecting 92 million children across Africa, with one in five children involved in forced labor. Moreover, nine of the 17 countries listed on the 2024 Child Soldier Prevention List are in Africa, underscoring the gravity of this form of exploitation.  

During the site visit, CTIP representatives engaged AFRICOM personnel from various offices, including the Inspector General, J1, J3, and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) staff. Key outcomes included actionable recommendations to enhance anti-trafficking efforts:

- Awareness Initiatives: Implementing informational campaigns, such as displaying CTIP posters in public spaces like commissaries and recreational facilities, to raise awareness about trafficking and reporting procedures.

- Policy Enhancements: Integrating CTIP guidelines into AFRICOM’s General Order #1 and foreign clearance processes.

- Collaborative Programs: Establishing joint initiatives with partner nations to combat trafficking effectively.

- Leadership Guidance: Developing a Leadership Guide to educate command staff on trafficking issues and their operational implications. 

Following the visit, AFRICOM Chief of Staff Major General Trollinger appointed Daniel Perkins as the CTIP Program Manager, signaling a commitment to institutionalizing anti-trafficking initiatives across the region.

 The Child Soldiers Prevention Act (CSPA) of 2008 defines child soldiers as any person under 18 years of age who takes direct part in hostilities as a member of governmental armed forces, has been compulsorily recruited into governmental armed forces, or has been recruited or used in hostilities by armed forces distinct from the armed forces of a state.

"Child soldiering often results in future adversaries of the U.S. and its allies/partners. Each child soldier that AFRICOM is able to assist in preventing is not only one less possible future combatant but also a partnership opportunity benefiting local governments in the prevention of increasing regional violence, including coups." said Daniel Perkins, Combating Trafficking in Persons Program Manager, AFRICOM.

Preventing child soldier recruitment is not only a humanitarian priority but also a strategic objective. AFRICOM views these efforts as critical to regional stability, reducing potential future adversaries, and fostering partnerships with local governments.

AFRICOM’s initiatives align with the U.S. Department of Defense’s 3D approach—Diplomacy, Development, and Defense. Through partnerships with African governments, AFRICOM aims to disrupt trafficking networks, protect vulnerable populations, and promote regional security and prosperity. Daniel Perkins, AFRICOM’s CTIP Program Manager, emphasizes, “Each child AFRICOM helps prevent from becoming a soldier represents one less future combatant and one more opportunity for peace.”

For further information about AFRICOM’s efforts and ways to contribute, visit the https://www.africom.mil/