18th To 19th Of December, 2024.
Addressing the Rise of Extremism: A Call for Strategic P/CVE Approaches
The rise of extremism is a pressing concern for the present and, most crucially, the next generation. Factors such as economic struggles, political exclusion, and a lack of opportunities have increased vulnerabilities among young people.
Despite significant investments in humanitarian interventions, particularly in Northeast Nigeria, weak strategic engagement persists. Preventive and counter-narrative strategies remain underutilized, leaving critical gaps in addressing the root causes of violent extremism.
Government efforts continue to prioritize kinetic measures—targeting terrorists instead of the terrorism itself. While the gun might scare individuals, it fails to tackle the structural factors driving recruitment and radicalization.
To make meaningful progress, stakeholders must increase funding for homegrown, community-driven interventions and support initiatives that emphasize knowledge-sharing and strategic communication.
At the recent Community of Practice on Preventing/Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) organized by the Prevention Against Violent Extremism (PAVE) network, our Executive Director had the opportunity to share YIAVHA’s work, including:
These initiatives focus on fostering social cohesion, building trust, and creating sustainable, non-violent alternatives for communities at risk.
- Inter-generational dialogue through storytelling
- Joint farming initiatives
- Commitment tree planting
- Intercultural exchange visits
- Digital storytelling
Let’s prioritize strategic, homegrown approaches to P/CVE and ensure young people have opportunities for meaningful engagement and leadership in their communities.
