Paper short abstract:

Ban on begging is increasingly used as an anti-trafficking strategy in Europe. In response to threats from donors to cut aid if no action would be taken against Koran teachers who force children to beg, the Senegalese Government adopted ban on begging. This paper examines how the teachers responded to the ban and presents some unintended consequences.

Paper long abstract:

NGOs are frequently seen as protectors of groups who live under precarious conditions. Anthropologists have however highlighted that interests of NGOs and such groups do not always coincide, particularly when they are classified as victims of human trafficking. Anthropological reports of 'collateral damage' of anti-trafficking activities abound.

Many of the young boys who beg on the streets of Senegalese cities come from rural areas and neighboring countries, particularly Guinea-Bissau. Most are Koran school students classified as victims of child trafficking. International organizations and donors have spent considerable funds to finance NGOs that rescue the boys and repatriate them to dismay of their parents. In response to threats from donors to cut aid if no action would be taken against Koran teachers whose students beg, the Senegalese Government adopted ban on begging in August 2010. The ban had immediate effects, beggars disappeared from certain areas of Dakar and Koran teachers were detained and sentenced.

Study on consequences of the ban for the teachers and their students, particularly the Bissau-Guinean ones, was initiated. The effects of the ban varied depending on the origin of the teachers. In general, the Koran teachers strengthened their collaboration and mobilized popular support, which resulted in withdrawal of the ban. Conflict arose between NGOs and the teachers and local populations, whose children NGOs aim to rescue. The boys, whose situation the ban aimed to relieve, suffered hunger during its enforcement. Since the withdrawal they beg as usual, however with increased fear of being 'rescued' and repatriated.