Radicalisation and Extremism in Eastern Africa: Dynamics and Drivers

Understanding the causes and drivers of radicalisation, non-violent extremism and violent extremism is crucial for any organisation involved in improving human security, peacebuilding and reconciliation work. It should be clear to most observers, particularly scholars and politicians, that Eastern Africa is a strategically important region to recruiters espousing manifestly violent means to achieve social, religious or political goals. It is also clear that it is not only a regional problem, as “violent extremist ideologies are gaining an unprecedented level of traction across the globe, taking root in local communities and controlling territory in a number of fragile states” (European Commission, 2016, p. 3). However, this paper seeks to understand the reasons for radicalisation and extremism in Eastern Africa and the ideological dynamics that underpin and structure the way in which they are manifest in that region. It includes an introduction explaining the key terms used, elucidating their conceptual nuances and interconnectedness, followed by an introduction to the underlying causes of radicalisation and extremism in this region and finally, proposals to address and counter these challenges.