Countering violent extremism by refocusing on communities
For Africa’s national and regional efforts to work, local communities must be included in conflict resolution.
Violent extremist groups with international terror links are embedded in East, West and Southern Africa. Their activities foment local conflicts and enable organised crime rackets – destabilising already fragile political landscapes. Meanwhile, years of government-led security force interventions have not dislodged the insurgents. To deliver sustainable peace, local approaches must be included in strategies to prevent violent extremism.
This event will examine the role of non-state actors and local communities in preventing the spread of violent extremism. Experts will offer alternative pathways for conflict resolution that account for local peacebuilding challenges, and consider the pivotal role of women in community-based justice, conflict resolution, and the rule of law.
This event is co-hosted by the US Institute of Peace (USIP), the RESOLVE Network and the Institute for Security Studies (ISS).
Chairperson: Dr Joseph Sany, Vice President, Africa Center, USIP
Speakers:
Dr Alastair Reed, Senior Expert, USIP and Executive Director, RESOLVE Network
Dr Akinola Olojo, Senior Researcher, Lake Chad Basin Programme, ISS
Dr Phoebe Donnelly, Research Fellow, International Peace Institute and Member of the RESOLVE Research Advisory Council
Bethany L McGann, Programme Officer, Programme on violent extremism, USIP and Research and Project Manager, RESOLVE Network
