A new initiative, ‘Brave for Peace’, has been launched to enhance community resilience against violent extremism and conflict in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, backed by Sh2.3 billion (USD 18 million). This programme will last for three years and aims to address underlying issues such as economic hardship, social marginalization, and political instability. The UNDP will implement the project with support from KOICA, marking a significant investment in regional peace-building efforts.
On Wednesday, a significant initiative aimed at bolstering communities’ resilience against violent extremism and conflicts in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan was inaugurated, with an allocation of Sh2.3 billion (USD 18 million) under a programme named ‘Brave for Peace’. This three-year programme, implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) with funding from the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), seeks to identify and apply local strategies addressing the root causes that lead to conflicts, including economic hardships, social marginalisation, and political instability. During the launch, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo highlighted Kenya’s relatively stable peace and security in comparison to its neighbors in the region. However, he acknowledged ongoing challenges, stating, “In certain regions of our country, including the capital, we have regrettably witnessed occasional extremist activities.” Omollo emphasized the importance of this programme in light of recent incidents of religiously motivated violence, such as the tragic Shakahola massacre, which underscored the need to address these challenges collectively, rather than framing them within the confines of a single religious context. Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, the Somalia Director of Tusban Centre, elaborated on the deceptive nature of extremist groups like Al-Shabaab, who utilize religion as a facade for their heinous acts. He asserted, “When they carry out their criminal activities here, it appears as though they are attempting to divide Kenyan citizens along religious lines. However, in Somalia, where we are all Muslims, they continue to murder us on a daily basis.” The ongoing threat of violent extremism has escalated over the past decade, as noted by Mohamed Houmed, the Deputy Director of IGAD’s Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE). He observed that these extremist groups exploit social grievances and economic disparities to recruit vulnerable individuals, particularly youth. KOICA’s Deputy Director, Songi Han, reinforced this perspective, highlighting the project’s timely intervention to mitigate the underlying factors contributing to extremism which disproportionately affect vulnerable groups. Likewise, South Sudan’s Under-Secretary in the Ministry of Peacebuilding, Pia Phillip Michael, remarked on the unique challenges faced by his country, including climate-induced insecurity, stating that the program will provide a holistic approach to foster sustainable peace in the region.
The prevalence of violent extremism in the East African region, particularly in countries like Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, has necessitated significant intervention measures. This initiative is a response to the growing threat posed by extremist groups exploiting socio-economic disparities and causing instability through violence and terror. Localized solutions are being prioritized to address the complex factors that lead to conflicts, fostering community resilience and ensuring sustainable peace in these nations.
The launch of the ‘Brave for Peace’ programme marks a critical step in addressing the multifaceted challenges of violent extremism and conflict in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. With a substantial financial investment and a focus on local solutions, this initiative aims not only to enhance peaceful coexistence but also to counter the factors that render communities vulnerable to extremism. Further, it underscores the importance of regional collaboration in fostering resilience against the scourge of violent extremism.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
