East African Nations Launch Joint Program to Counter Violent Extremism

East African Nations Launch Joint Program to Counter Violent Extremism

NAIROBI, Kenya — November 13
By Brenda Asugu

Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan have launched a collaborative initiative aimed at strengthening peacebuilding and combating violent extremism across East Africa. The program, known as the "Regional Programme on Peacebuilding and Preventing Violent Extremism," was unveiled in Nairobi on Wednesday and is supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and international partners.
PHOTO: Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Raymond Omollo

This three-year, $18 million initiative will focus on promoting security through grassroots involvement in each participating country. Raymond Omollo, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Internal Security and National Administration, highlighted that the program seeks to build on existing peace efforts for greater regional stability.

In Kenya, the initiative aligns with the nation's updated policy framework on peacebuilding and extremism prevention, developed last year with input from 13 eminent peace advisors. This framework identifies conflict triggers and strategies for countering security threats such as youth radicalization.

“The Ministry of Interior appointed a team of distinguished Kenyans to lead national dialogue and develop the New Agenda for Peace in Kenya,” Omollo stated at the event held in Nairobi's Kwetu Center. He added that the regional effort would address factors that fuel extremism, including political and identity-based conflicts, economic limitations, and the spread of extremist ideologies online.

Omollo emphasized that violent extremism has taken a toll on Kenya, referencing past terror incidents like the Westgate Mall attack, the Garissa University massacre, and the recent Shakahola tragedy. He highlighted that extremist groups often exploit existing grievances, particularly in Kenya's arid and semi-arid regions.

Despite these challenges, Omollo noted that Kenya has made significant strides in peacebuilding and remains relatively stable compared to its East African neighbors. A network of over 500 community-led peace committees, consisting of elders, women, youth, and inter-faith leaders, has been instrumental in fostering local conflict resolution.

Omollo called on regional security managers to involve communities actively in peace initiatives, emphasizing the importance of strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing border security, and fostering regional cooperation. He acknowledged UNDP Kenya and other international partners for supporting the conference and reiterated the need for political commitment and resources to achieve the program's goals.

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