The modus operandi of criminal networks in the Horn of Africa: human trafficking and migrant smuggling

Abstract The Horn of Africa faces challenges such as poverty and vulnerability, driven by poor governance and organized crime. Conflict, inequality, and poverty fuel human trafficking and migrant smuggling in Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, and Somalia. Criminal groups exploit and coerce individuals via smuggling networks. This study explores how these countries address poverty, vulnerability, and weak governance. Using qualitative digital Delphi surveys and key informant interviews, gaps are identified, and recommendations are made. Strategies must be tailored to each country's context. Alongside long-term migration planning, a coordinated institutional and legal approach is proposed. The focus shifts from victim-centered strategies to enhanced border controls and human rights protections. Recommended solutions include improving aesthetics, fostering cross-border cooperation, strengthening legal frameworks, and building community resilience.