Coalition Dynamics in Anti-Human Trafficking Efforts: Understanding the Engagement of Coalition Actors in Implementing the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act of 2022 in Sierra Leone

Abstract This study investigates how coalition actors collaborate in implementing the Anti-Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling Act of 2022 in Sierra Leone. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 19 actors from both governmental and non-governmental institutions in triangulation with 7 reports and policy documents about the implementation process. In this study, the findings suggest that coordination and collaboration are important in implementing this new act in Sierra Leone. Private-public partnership as a strategy goes beyond financial commitment, since governmental and non-governmental actors do meet and provide effective solutions to counter human trafficking through the implementation of this act. However, despite these efforts the findings further show that differences in implementation frameworks between organisations affects collaboration between coalition actors. The study concludes that private-public partnerships and well-coordinated meetings are very essential strategies used by coalition actors in their collaborative efforts to implement the act, despite their differing approaches. Keywords: Coalition, Collaboration, Anti-human trafficking, Act, Implementation, Sierra Leone.