Who captured the Aficans who were sold in the Atlantic slave trade?

The Africans sold in the Atlantic slave trade were primarily captured by various African tribes and kingdoms, often through warfare, raids, or as a result of internal conflicts. European traders and colonizers also played a significant role by establishing trade networks and incentivizing local leaders to capture and sell individuals. Additionally, some Africans were enslaved as a consequence of existing social structures, such as debt or punishment for crimes. This complex system ultimately facilitated the transatlantic slave trade that lasted for centuries.