By Melvin Jackson
Monrovia — What began as a promise of hope has turned into a troubling case now before Liberia’s courts, involving five women accused of attempting to traffic fourteen children out of the country.
Months ago, Halimatu Daramy, Fanta Doe, Hawa Kamara, Henrietta Beaye, and Grace H. Sesay allegedly agreed to pursue what they believed was a resettlement opportunity in Mali. The plan, according to investigators, involved traveling with minors — some their own children, others belonging to relatives.
In total, fourteen children — seven boys and seven girls, ranging from just 11 months to eight years old — were assembled for the journey.
Authorities believe Daramy, described as the group’s leader, convinced the others that an international program offered resettlement benefits. Their first attempt to reach Mali failed after they were turned back.
Undeterred, the women allegedly revised their plan and set their sights on Burkina Faso, reportedly believing that traveling with more children would increase their chances of securing assistance.
Their journey was cut short on April 13, 2025, at the bustling Red Light Market, where officers of the Liberia National Police intercepted them as they attempted to board a vehicle.
Police say inconsistencies quickly raised suspicion. Some of the children could not identify their parents, while the women’s claims of guardianship reportedly did not align.
The group was arrested and later turned over to the Liberia Immigration Service for further investigation. Authorities say four of the women were allegedly persuaded by Daramy to undertake the journey.
The case is now before Criminal Court “A” in Monrovia, where prosecutors and defense lawyers are contesting the charges.
What Liberia’s Trafficking Law Says
Liberia’s Act to Ban Trafficking in Persons (2005) criminalizes trafficking in all its forms, including the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons through coercion, deception, or abuse of power for the purpose of exploitation.
Cases involving children are treated with particular severity. Under the law, victims under 18 are afforded heightened protection, and offenders face stiffer penalties due to the vulnerability of minors.
However, despite the legal framework, trafficking cases in Liberia have historically proven difficult to prosecute under the specific statute. Prosecutors often resort to related charges such as child endangerment when they cannot sufficiently establish all elements of trafficking — namely the act, the means, and the intent to exploit.
Alleged Recruitment and Ongoing Investigation
Investigators believe the women organized the trip under the pretense of seeking better opportunities abroad. Police say some of the children may have been recruited from vulnerable communities with promises of education and improved living conditions.
Authorities also confirm that there is no known or authorized relocation program facilitating such movement to Burkina Faso.
The Liberia National Police has placed the children in protective custody, while the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection continues assessments to determine their identities, family connections, and welfare needs.
This story was funded by the European Union under the Liberia Media Empowerment Project (LMEP). Its contents are the sole responsibility of journalRAGE and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.