Gabon police have arrested the man responsible for chartering
the Etireno, which was carrying dozens of children into
slavery.
Stanislas Abatan, from Benin, and five men from Togo and Benin
who were his accomplices, were arrested at the end of May.
The Nigerian-registered boat captured international attention
after it was reported to be carrying children into slavery. Twenty-three
children, aged between three and 14, were rescued in Benin on
17 April as they were being trafficked by boat to Gabon for work.
They were at sea for more than two weeks because the boat was
forced to return to Benin after Cameroon and Gabon refused it
permission to dock.
According to Terre des Hommes Benin-Togo, which has been interviewing
and caring for the young children, the eight boys and 15 girls
came from Benin, Mali and Togo. They are currently at the l'Oasis
Centre in Cotonou. In addition, 17 youths aged 15 to 24 went
to SOS Children's Village.
In interviews, five children said that there were financial transactions
before their departure and eight confirmed they were travelling
with an unfamiliar adult. Eighteen of the 23 children said they
were being taken to Gabon to work.
Terre des Hommes is tracing their families and ensuring parents
are who they claim to be and are able to take care of them. In
some cases, the child may be placed with a relative or put into
foster care. They will stay at the centre until the Attorney General
of Benin authorises their return home.
