Africa

THE RISE OF EXTREMISM IN AFRICA

Introduction

Extremism is defined as an attitude whereby an individual or group vigorously defends an ideology or point of view, even to the point of using violent methods or weapons to make their voice heard.

There are several forms of extremism of which three main ones can be identified. Political extremism, which consists of violent demands and positions on political issues; ideological extremism, which is the defense of a way of thinking and views using violent means (supremacists, homophobes, xenophobes etc.). The third form is the most widespread and deadly in Africa: religious extremism, which is the use of violent and armed means by extremists to promote and defend religious values to which they are attached. Violent extremism has been growing in Africa; notwithstanding this growth, the identification of its causes would allow for effective action to be taken.

The Hubs of Extremism in Africa 

Africa has seen the emergence of three major foci since the beginning of the 20th century. The first focus emerged from Algeria in 1998 with the birth of the GSCP. It later became Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM). It operates mainly in the Sahel. The second focus is in the Horn of Africa, where Al-Shabaab, a movement that claims to resist the presence of Western powers. It has been operating since the 2000s in Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia. The third and more recent focus 2012 is the Boko Haram movement, located in the Lake Chad Basin. It is mainly active in Nigeria but has extended its operations to neighbouring countries (Cameroon, Chad and Niger).

Africa thus has five main theaters of extremism: the Sahel, East Africa, the Lake Chad Basin, Mozambique and North Africa. Understanding the causes of this expansion can help reduce the spread of these deadly movements.

Key causes

Extremist movements renew their forces through the recruitment (forced or otherwise) of young fighters. The majority of recruits who join voluntarily are very often fleeing social and economic conditions where they are either frustrated or lack options. Marginalisation, lack of employment opportunities, gross violation of human rights, lack of basic public services, feelings of exclusion and discrimination are all socio-economic factors that provide extremist groups with human resources and allow them to operate for many years. 

Conclusion

Two types of actions can be taken by governments to fight violent extremism in Africa. On the one hand, preventive actions, i.e. promoting intercultural dialogue, educating communities on the dangers of radicalisation, facilitating access to basic social services (water, electricity, housing, education) and to employment, guaranteeing human rights and good governance. On the other hand, curative actions, which consist in disarming and de-radicalisation people already enrolled in groups. It is in this sense that Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) centres are relevant.

 

Arthur Bodi

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