By RFIPosted 31-01-2019Modified 31-01-2019 at 17:29

The authorities in Bamako want to launch an investigation into the situation of Nigerian prostitutes in southern Mali. The National Committee Against Trafficking in Persons, a structure of the Ministry of Justice, is required to carry out a fact-finding mission. It will determine whether these women are held in Mali against their will. Last week, Nigerian authorities claimed that 20,000 Nigerians were forced to prostitute themselves near artisanal gold mines.

Nearly 20,000 Nigerian women forced to prostitute themselves in Mali , the figure was ticking in Bamako. It is an estimate that Boubacar Touré, president of the National Committee against Trafficking in Persons, refuses to endorse: " We can not deny that there is this phenomenon and that this phenomenon is gaining momentum, but we have no figures to give in relation to that. Now I find the figure of 20,000 exaggerated . "

As citizens of a member country of ECOWAS, these women were free to go to Mali. But are they prevented from leaving? This is one of the questions that will need to be clarified in a future "fact-finding mission". Its task is difficult because Mali is not the only country concerned.

" What is also regrettable is that both the victims and the perpetrators are practically Nigerians. It is not Malians who go out to look for them. Nigerians are bringing other girls from Nigeria to exploit them, "says Boubacar Toure.

According to Naptip, the Nigerian agency responsible for combating human trafficking, prostitutes are under the surveillance of pimps. These "madames", as they are nicknamed, allegedly bribed local authorities.

In the eyes of Boubacar Toure, these are easy accusations to launch: " We have not received from Nigeria any denunciation whatsoever. I do not deny that there are local complicities, I do not deny it, but we must have evidence, and who and what are in these networks. "

Traffickers had shown these women high-paying jobs in Malaysia. Those who managed to escape explained that they had been deceived and exploited.

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