Shifting policy responses to violent extremism prevention in West Africa coastal countries

The objective of this study is both to understand the governance vulnerabilities of West African coastal countries and the link to the rise in insecurity linked to violent extremism in their border regions; and, to analyze existing mechanisms for preventing violent extremism at the local (community) and national levels. This document is based on two field missions: the first phase took place between April 2024 and June 2024. Quantitative interviews were conducted with local communities in the northern regions of the countries studied to understand public perceptions of violent extremism. Qualitative interviews were conducted both in the regions and in the capitals with security forces, civil society organizations, and national authorities responsible for policies related to violent extremism. The second phase took place between August and November 2025. Given the reduction in international funding for development programs and other changes in the regional context, a new series of qualitative interviews was conducted to understand the impact of these changes on initiatives and strategies for the prevention of violent extremism (PVE).