Violent Extremism and Terrorism in Africa- Role of Nongovernmental Organizations in Kenya and Nigeria
Abstract
Governments globally have been faced with threat on their peace and security, which has
been attributed by increase in radicalization and recruitment to violent extremist groups. The
rationale of this study was based on increased attacks that have led to a dark corner in various
nations resulting to panics and dilemma on the best criteria to counter these violent activities.
In Africa, Violent extremism has been on the rise affecting different capitals, resulting in
mistrust among different nations, leading to a reduction of trade due to fear of attacks. In
Kenya and Nigeria, terrorism is a rampart problem and this situation has been fuelled by
increased radicalization and recruitment to violent extremist groups. The two countries
largely rely on tourism which thrives in peaceful environment. Due to the panic from
insecurity cases, the socio-economic activities in Kenya and Nigeria have been disrupted
leading to more social malice. The Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are actively
participating in countering violent extremisms and radicalization at both national and global
levels. There is need to establish the role of the various NGOs in countering violent
extremism and terrorism. It is in this light that this study sought to examine the role of NGOs
in countering violent extremism and terrorism in Kenya and Nigeria. The study is aiming at
analysing the role of NGOs in countering violent extremism and terrorism in Kenya and
Nigeria, evaluate the interventions by NGOs in countering violent extremism and terrorism
and explore challenges faced by NGOs in countering violent extremism and terrorism in
Kenya and Nigeria. The literature review focuses on global overview of violent extremism
and terrorism, rationale of countering violent extremism and terrorism and challenges of
countering violent extremism in Kenya and Nigeria. A cross-sectional survey design was
used to study a sample size of 60 NGOs from Kenya and Nigeria. Data was collected using
interview guide, documentary analysis and questionnaires. Data was analysed using the
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Descriptive statistics were used to analyse
interventions on countering violent extremism and inferential statistics to explore challenges
faced by NGOs in countering violent extremism and terrorism. The findings of the study
revealed that respondents were aware of Violent extremism, recruitment into Violent
Extremist and terrorist groups (VE&TGs) within the area they were operating. Further, that
violent extremism is driven by increased level of unemployment among the youths as well as
drug addictions, interethnic and interreligious tensions and external factors such as joint war
against terror, foreign military deployment and the influence of terrorist organizations abroad
led to violent extremism and terrorism. Moreover, the study revealed that NGOs employ
formal and informal conversations and meeting with community leaders and communities;
and also used sports activities and discussions in schools, advocacy campaigns, as well as
training sessions and mentorship programs in countering violent extremism and terrorism.
The study therefore recommends that governments in collaboration with NGOs need to
develop policies, laws, special offices and special programmes or action plans that will
specifically deal with matters of violent extremism and terrorism in order to counter
VE&TGs activities for peaceful coexistence and security in Kenya and Nigeria.
Publisher
University of Nairobi
Rights
Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 United StatesUsage Rights
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/us/Collections
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