We can decisively deal with violent extremism
By Joseph Kayira
An overview of youth extremism simply says: “Youth extremism poses severe dangers, including rapid radicalization via social media, leading to violence, terrorism, and criminal justice involvement. It exploits vulnerable, young individuals through grooming, causing lasting psychological harm, social isolation, and, in many cases, long-term involvement in dangerous, hateful ideologies.”
In the same vein “Youth terrorism involves the radicalization, recruitment, and mobilization of individuals under 25 by extremist groups, often driven by online propaganda, identity crises, or desire for agency. It is a global security threat, with minors involved in planning attacks and spreading ideologies. Preventing this requires tailored, multi-agency, and rehabilitative approaches.”
Not long ago, terrorism and extremism were almost alien to Malawi, with many thinking that terrorism is only associated with certain regions, religions and cultures. It was a wrong perception. Truth of the matter though, is that terrorism and extremism see no boundaries. It is everywhere and can affect every society. Globally, certain regions have had more incidents of terrorism and violent extremism. There are reasons why those regions have remained volatile – bad politics, radicalization, religion and so on and so forth. However, there is no justification for terrorism and any form of violence, regardless.
Today, even countries that have enjoyed relative peace and tranquility are experiencing a new wave of youth extremism which is resulting in violence – and sometimes loss of life. Youths are groomed into radicalization to fight whoever is against their reasoning, cultural beliefs and their zeal on religion. A culture of intolerance is taking root and the availability of digital platforms and social media are often used to recruit or indoctrinate youths to fight those on the other side of the divide. It is not worth it.
In many countries, including Malawi, economic hardships are driving youths into vulnerable situations. And then there are those who take advantage of unsuspecting youths to push their extremist ideologies. Acts of violence, extremism and terrorism have permeated through different segments of society. Schools are under threat from unruly learners who torch down their own classes over petty issues or misunderstanding with school authorities.
In politics, youths jump at anything to perpetrate violence. They are ready to shed blood in the name of protecting the ‘boss’ or instill fear in political opponents. There are cases pending in court or being investigated by the police that are linked to political violence. These are a form of extremism and the terror attacks, be it in political or religious circles, go against tenets of democracy and a culture of tolerance.
We therefore, would like to call upon the police, political leaders, the faith community, chiefs and all stakeholders who believe in peaceful coexistence, to drum up support for a Malawi that abhors violent extremism, terrorism and everything that has our nation teetering on the edge of chaos. Let the long arm of the law deal with all elements behind instances of extremism, violence and terrorism. It’s the wish of all peace-loving Malawians that acts of terror should not continue to stand in the way of progress.
Finally, we must deal with the root-cause or drivers of radicalization such as inequality, lack of educational opportunities, limited economic opportunities such as lack of access to loans, cases of injustice and increasing unemployment. Younger demographics can play a pivotal role in issues of peace and security. The United Nations says “Violent extremism undermines peace and security, human rights and sustainable development. No country or region is immune from its impacts.”
