Youth key in curbing crime, violent extremism

Africa continues to grapple with the threat of terrorism, which poses a significant threat to national cohesion, peace and development.

To respond to the worrying trend of violent extremism, there is need to empower young people to defuse their mindset from becoming radicalised and extremist.

According to the assessment of the Global Terrorism Index, sub-Saharan Africa is now the epicentre of terrorism, accounting for more terrorism-related deaths than South Asia, the Middle East and North Africa combined.

Africa’s youth, which account for 60 per cent of the continent’s population, are especially targeted by extremist groups who exploit their marginalisation, frustrations, and limited social and economic opportunities with promises of money, security, and purpose.

It is critical to address the reasons that drive young people toward violent extremism. Safety and security can be achieved by empowering young people – by bringing them into the process and giving them ownership, as well as hearing their concerns and suggestions. 

In their study based on interviews with hundreds of voluntary recruits to Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram, the United Nations Development Programme found that the journey to violent extremism is one marked by exclusion and marginalisation, lack of opportunities, and grievances with the state.

Similarly, research by Centre for Human Rights and Policy Studies (CHRIPS) revealed that as a result of few economic opportunities, some of the youth, it is argued form gangs that operate in the informal settlements in Kenya providing security and other social services at a fee. They also engage in criminal activities and extortion.

Multilateral agencies, governments and organisations working on violent extremism, are increasingly shifting from counter-terrorism to a prevention approach, and are developing a vast array of responses to counter this threat.

To prevent young people from becoming criminals and extremists, education and skills training will enable them to become responsible. If crime must end, the youth should be empowered with skills that enable them to become self-employed.

Unemployment remains a major challenge among the youth in in Sub Saharan African countries. Governments should holistically make long-term interventions that address political, social and economic conditions that drive young people into crime and violent extremism.

Young people must be involved in discussion forums and be included in programmes aiming to prevent extremism (PVE). 

Mr Obonyo is a Public Policy Analyst. Email: raphojuma@hotmail.com