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Of Mukhalas and Magafe: Somali Migrants Navigating the Dangers of Ransom Smuggling in Northern Africa

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  • Tabea Scharrer

Abstract

In the late 2000s, after the implementation of European policies to prevent and criminalize irregular migration, a new form of human smuggling—ransom smuggling—appeared in North Africa. This article is an analysis of ransom smuggling of Somali migrants, based on anthropological fieldwork in Germany and Kenya. Ransom smuggling is dangerous and complex, involving both human smugglers and hostage takers, but I argue that Somali migrants—especially younger ones—make use of this form of smuggling despite its risks because it is cheaper and easier to organize than other options. I describe the major elements of Somali ransom smuggling, which involves transit through the Sahara and Libya. I focus on the various actors involved, and the responsibilities and burdens that accrue to the migrants who transit a system that accounts for their lives as commodities for trade.

Suggested Citation

  • Tabea Scharrer, 2023. "Of Mukhalas and Magafe: Somali Migrants Navigating the Dangers of Ransom Smuggling in Northern Africa," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 709(1), pages 86-104, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:709:y:2023:i:1:p:86-104
    DOI: 10.1177/00027162241246664
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank & United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime & Interpol, 2013. "Pirate Trails : Tracking the Illicit Financial Flows from Pirate Activities off the Horn of Africa," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 16196.
    2. Oliver Bakewell & Caitlin Sturridge, 2021. "Extreme Risk Makes the Journey Feasible: Decision-Making amongst Migrants in the Horn of Africa," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 9(1), pages 186-195.
    3. Mirjam van Reisen & Conny Rijken, 2015. "Sinai Trafficking: Origin and Definition of a New Form of Human Trafficking," Social Inclusion, Cogitatio Press, vol. 3(1), pages 113-124.
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