The Natural Resource-violent Extremism Nexus: Case of Boni Forest Border Area Between Kenya and Somalia

Abstract

The study aimed at identifying the relationships between the context of Boni forest as a forest occupied by violent extremists on the well-being of both the multiagency team and local communities. The methodology approach was quantitative with sample comprising of 163 respondents with data analyzed using SPSS version 23. Operation Linda Boni, formed after the deadly Mpeketoni attacks, has affected security of local communities with resultant behaviors emanating from fear of both the security forces and the violent extremists. Boni forest has, through the on-going multiagency operation and frequent attacks by the violent extremists inhabiting it, affected the socio-economic wellbeing of the communities. The study shows radicalization of the youths as a negative relational reciprocity in response to a number of push factors catalysed including harassment. By extension the study shows that due to poor relations between the security services and the communities, there is no sharing of critical information pertaining to the violent extremists. Although the Bonis know the forest terrain and the behavior of the violent extremists, their lack of cooperation with security agencies complicate the on-going operation. The study reveals a need for bridging the gaps between the communities, between communities and security officers, and a proactive approach towards involving the communities in the sustainable utility of the natural resources as a form of natural resources governance systems.