More African Nations Join PACTPAN Anti-Trafficking Campaign
More than 30 African nations have confirmed their involvement in the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN)’s campaign to combat human trafficking, scheduled for February 8th. This date coincides with the Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese former slave and the Patron Saint of human trafficking victims, and is traditionally observed with prayer and awareness initiatives against this crime.
This year’s campaign is expected to be one of the largest ever organised by PACTPAN theologians. In over 30 African countries, participants will celebrate Holy Mass as part of the effort to highlight the urgency of the issue. Additionally, peaceful marches have been planned in the countries that have confirmed their participation. The campaign is being held under the theme, “Restoring Hope in Africa: A Jubilee Call to End Human Trafficking.”
A key highlight of the event will be a keynote address by Uganda’s Vice President, Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, who will speak on the campaign’s theme. Uganda, recognised as the most hospitable country for refugees in East Africa, has welcomed many displaced persons, particularly from South Sudan. Among them are individuals who have fallen victim to human trafficking, further emphasizing the significance of the campaign in the region.
Sr. Leonida Katunge, PACTPAN’s Director of Programs, shared details of the upcoming campaign with ACI Africa. The members of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Catholic Archdiocese of Mombasa (SSJ Mombasa) stated that 22,500 members from 35 countries have registered to participate in the campaign through physical peaceful demonstrations and prayer events. Several countries, including Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Lesotho, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Senegal, have already shared their planned activities for the Feast Day of St. Bakhita.
Sr. Katunge told ACI Africa on January 29th that while 35 countries are participating, only 10 will not hold physical gatherings due to political instability. “We have up to 10 countries where members will not go to the streets due to their current political upheavals. These include the Democratic Republic of Congo, where there is widespread violence. These countries will follow the live stream on the PACTPAN YouTube channel,” she explained, adding, “We are out to walk together, even on social media platforms, to fight this war.”
In South Sudan, Giningakpio Justin Dapu, who is leading the campaign in the Catholic Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, confirmed that over 1,000 people had registered for the event.
“We have mobilised 1,300 people for the campaign on February 8. We also have a team of 35 well-trained members handling logistics, awareness creation, and mobilisation,” Dapu said.
He added that South Sudanese people feel especially connected to St. Bakhita’s Feast Day and plan to form a devotional group in her honour to seek her intercession in the fight against human trafficking.
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Sr. Katunge explained that preparations for the event began with a webinar featuring human trafficking survivors. She then expanded efforts to include the entire African continent.
She highlighted PACTPAN’s long-term commitment to fighting human trafficking, saying, “We have always worked at the grassroots level to address issues like this.” She also noted that the campaign aligns with the 2025 Jubilee Year, themed “Pilgrims of Hope.”
“The Gospel of Luke calls for liberation and justice for all captives, including victims of modern slavery,” she added.
Sr. Katunge, a practicing advocate of the High Court of Kenya, described human trafficking in Africa as an urgent crisis. She pointed to cases of forced labour, sexual exploitation, child trafficking, and organ harvesting, warning that these issues are worsening.
Her research includes a documentary compiled in May 2024 that highlights the trafficking of West African women to Europe and the Middle East and the exploitation of children in conflict zones.
The campaign will include marches in major African cities, prayers, moments of silence for victims, and messages of hope. Logistics such as transportation, security, and media coverage are being handled at local levels.
Uganda’s vice president’s participation adds credibility, visibility, and influence, encouraging other leaders to take action.
PACTPAN has also planned interfaith prayers, educational workshops, fundraising for survivors, and policy forums advocating for stronger anti-trafficking laws.
The network also aims to open a training centre in Africa to help young people, especially girls, develop skills and find jobs to protect them from traffickers.
“Telling these girls to stop going to these countries where they are trafficked is one thing. But how are we supporting them if they stay?” “We want to collaborate with the states to keep these young people at home and to provide them with training and jobs. It is possible and we are sure we will get there.” Sr. Katunge emphasised.
PACTPAN’s campaign will continue until 2030 and will include participation in the UN’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30 every year.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
Picture Credit | https://cruxnow.com/
