Civil society and religious leaders must work harder to prevent young people from engaging in terrorism and joining extremist movements, authorities have said. During a meeting with delegates who are participating in the on going Africa Regional Dialogue Conference on Defying Violent Extremism, Mohammed Maalim, the County Commissioner of Mombasa County urged development partners, civil society and religious leaders to work with the government in addressing radicalization and other security related challenges.
“The increase threat of violent extremism and terrorism is not a preserve of Africa. It is a global challenge that we must stand and fight regardless of our faith”, said Maalim.
He cited the government’s initiative of Nyumba Kumi– a community policing model, youth fund and amnesty of “returnees’ as some of the ways that the Government of Kenya is responding to address violent extremism. He reiterated the governments’ commitment in working with civil society actors to explore a common solution in dealing with violent extremism.
The County Commissioner called for a collective responsibility in sharing of information to enhance government’s efforts in dealing with security challenges brought about by violent extremism.
The conference is being co-hosted by Act! and Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice, University of San Diego with the view of exploring a common common narrative and ground to counter violent extremism.
