Where did west African salve traders get their slaves to sell to Europeans?

West African slave traders primarily obtained slaves from various regions within West Africa, including the interior and coastal areas. Many captives were taken from rival tribes during conflicts, while others were enslaved due to debt or criminal punishment. These traders then transported the enslaved individuals to coastal trading posts, where European merchants purchased them for transatlantic shipment. This network of trade facilitated the brutal exploitation of millions of Africans during the Atlantic slave trade.