Youths and Violent Extremism in West Africa

AfriCan Geopardy

Welcome to African Geopardy. In this month's episode, we are discussing "Youths and Violent Extremism in West Africa" with Mr Mutaru Mumuni Muqthar, a Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Practitioner and the Executive Director of the West Africa Centre for Counter-Extremism (WACCE). Over the past nine years, Mutaru has worked to prevent 23 radicalised individuals from joining terrorist groups. His efforts have contributed to a deeper local understanding of radicalisation and violent extremism in West Africa. He has also empowered more than 9,600 youth and community leaders to act as peace ambassadors and build resilience against violent extremism in the region. During our discussion, we explored the link between youth unemployment and recruitment into extremist groups. We also highlighted the role of women in extremist groups. We emphasised the need for a comprehensive and gender-sensitive approach to addressing extremism, including strategies to combat violent extremism in West Africa and across the continent. Thanks for listening and sharing.