Human trafficking remains a significant and persistent challenge in Malawi, with the country serving as a source, transit, and destination for victims of various forms of exploitation, including forced labour, sexual exploitation, and child trafficking. This study investigates the role of the Malawi Defence Force (MDF) in combating human trafficking, with a focus on its operations within Lilongwe City. Guided by Human Security Concept, Social Network Theory, Institutional Theory, and Securitization Theory the research evaluates the extent to which the MDF contributes to border security, victim rescue missions, and inter-agency collaborations aimed at dismantling trafficking networks. The research indicates that the MDF plays a supportive but increasingly strategic role in national anti-trafficking efforts. The Force’s contributions include surveillance of high-risk border areas, tactical support during rescue missions, and limited but growing participation in inter-agency training and coordination efforts. However, challenges persist in the form of jurisdictional overlaps, limited resources, weak inter-agency communication, and absence of clear operational protocols. The study recommends the establishment of a National Anti-Trafficking Command Centre (NATCC) to facilitate intelligence sharing, coordinated responses, and cross-border collaboration. It also calls for the integration of trafficking awareness into MDF training curricula, improved institutional mandates, and broader stakeholder engagement. The findings contribute to the body of literature by offering new insights into the military’s evolving role in human trafficking prevention and the need for cohesive, multi-sectoral strategies in Malawi.
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- Louis Msukwa (Author), 2025, Assessment Of The Role Of The Malawi Defence Force In The Management Of Human Trafficking, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1610284
