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.