New perspectives on violent extremism in Africa

ISS assesses prevention projects in Africa, and makes the case for dialogue with violent extremists.

Date: 2019-09-27

Time: 13:00 to 15:00

Venue: European Union Delegation offices, 31st Floor, 666 Third Avenue, New York

RSVP: Penny Mandula, Phone: +27 12 346 9500, Email: [email protected]

New research by the Institute for Security Studies (ISS) provides insights on the prevention of violent extremism in Africa.

A key finding in a study of 281 projects in East, Central and West Africa is that despite substantial donor funding for initiatives to prevent and counter violent extremism, the duration of projects is extremely short, limiting their impact. Many also describe their work as humanitarian aid and socio-economic empowerment.

ISS analysis also shows why dialogue with violent extremist groups al-Shabaab and Boko Haram should be among available policy options to address terrorism in the Horn of Africa and Lake Chad Basin. Although African states must take responsibility for the dialogue process, the global community has a constructive role to play in this approach.

This event is co-hosted with the European Union, and sponsored by the Government of Norway.

Chair: Allan Ngari, Senior Researcher, ISS

Speakers:

Amb John Gatt-Rutter, Head of Division, Counter-terrorism, EAAS

Isel van Zyl, Junior Researcher, ISS

Dr Akinola Olojo, Senior Researcher, ISS

Tracey Durner, Senior Analyst, Global Center on Cooperative Security

Registration: 12.30 with light lunch

Seating at this event is limited. If you don’t have a UN badge, photo identification will be required.

_{Picture: AMISOM Photo/Omar Abdisalan}