By Agnes Aineah
ACI Africa, Feb 8, 2025 / 04:00 am
Joining hands to combat human trafficking, over 30 African countries have pledged their support to a campaign organized by the Pan-African Catholic Theology and Pastoral Network (PACTPAN).
Starting on Feb. 8, the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita, a former slave and patron saint of human trafficking victims, the campaign aims to raise awareness and offer prayers against the heinous crime.
This year’s campaign will see more than 30 African countries coming together to celebrate Mass and organize peaceful marches under the theme “Restoring Hope in Africa: A Jubilee Call to End Human Trafficking.”
Uganda’s vice president, Jessica Rose Epel Alupo, will deliver a keynote address during the event. Uganda, known for its hospitality towards refugees, including victims of human trafficking, is taking a stand against this global issue.
Leading the campaign is Sister Leonida Katunge, director of programs at PACTPAN. She revealed that 22,500 individuals from 35 countries have registered to participate in physical demonstrations and prayer events to support the cause.
Despite challenges in some countries, with political unrest hindering in-person gatherings, the campaign continues to garner support across the continent. “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,” Katunge explained.
Join us as we take a stand against human trafficking in an unprecedented campaign that will be livestreamed on the PACTPAN YouTube channel. These countries are coming together to fight this war, walking hand in hand even in the digital world.
Countries such as Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Zambia, Lesotho, Cameroon, Tanzania, and Senegal have already shared their plans for the campaign, especially on St. Bakhita’s feast day. In South Sudan, Giningakpio Justin Dapu is leading the PACTPAN campaign in the Diocese of Tombura-Yambio, with over 1,000 people already registered for the event.
“We have mobilized 1,300 individuals for the campaign on Feb. 8. A team of 35 dedicated individuals is working tirelessly on logistics, ground preparation, awareness creation, and mobilization,” Dapu shared. The people of South Sudan are eager to celebrate the feast of St. Bakhita and have even started a devotional group in her honor to seek her intercession in the fight against human trafficking.
The journey towards the Feb. 8 campaign began with a webinar and survivor testimonies, followed by efforts to involve the entire continent in the fight against human trafficking. PACTPAN has been working on grassroots collaborations to address issues affecting African communities for years, and this campaign is a culmination of those efforts.
Together, let’s make a difference and stand against human trafficking. Join us on Feb. 8 as we raise our voices and take a stand for those who cannot.
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