A new program, ‘Brave for Peace’, has been launched with Sh2.3 billion funding to combat violent extremism in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan. Spearheaded by UNDP and KOICA, the initiative focuses on local solutions to tackle economic hardships and social grievances driving conflict over the next three years. Officials from the region highlight the ongoing threats of extremism and the necessity of comprehensive approaches to mitigate these challenges.
In a significant development aimed at bolstering resilience against violent extremism, Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan have launched the ‘Brave for Peace’ initiative with a funding of Sh2.3 billion (USD 18 million). This 36-month project seeks to explore local solutions to root causes of conflict, particularly focusing on economic deprivation, marginalization, and political instability. The initiative will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), under the auspices of the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). During the launch, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo emphasized that although Kenya maintains relative peace compared to its neighboring countries, it continues to grapple with ongoing extremist threats, as evidenced by last year’s Shakahola massacre. Omollo remarked, “It’s always easy to look at it as more or less an Islamic challenge, but… what motivates us in the name of religion doesn’t have boundaries and is not confined to one set of religions.” Similarly, Mr. Abdullahi Mohamed Nur, Director of the Tusban Centre from Somalia, highlighted how Al-Shabaab exploits religious contexts for violent activities, stating, “When they carry out their criminal activities here, it appears as though they are attempting to divide Kenyan citizens along religious lines.” The rise of violent extremism has been alarming in the IGAD region, with Deputy Director of IGAD’s Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism, Mohamed Houmed, noting that extremist groups take advantage of social grievances and economic challenges to recruit vulnerable populations. Likewise, Ms. Songi Han, Deputy Director of KOICA, remarked the necessity of timely addressing the socio-political rifts that drive communities towards extremism. Amidst these concerns, South Sudan’s Under-Secretary for Peacebuilding, Pia Phillip Michael, pointed out the need for a comprehensive approach to curb communal conflicts arising from climate-induced insecurity while marking that violent extremism remains a potential future concern for the nation.
The conflict landscape in East Africa, particularly in Kenya, Somalia, and South Sudan, has become increasingly complex with the rise of violent extremism. Catalyst factors include economic hardship, social grievances, and political instability, prompting communities to seek local solutions. The ‘Brave for Peace’ initiative, funded by the Korea International Cooperation Agency, aims to tackle these issues and enhance community resilience over the next three years through strategic interventions identified by local entities. The partnership between UNDP and the three nations aims to address both immediate threats and long-term societal divides exacerbated by grievances and economic inequality.
The launch of the ‘Brave for Peace’ initiative represents a crucial step towards mitigating threats posed by violent extremism in the East Africa region. With significant funding and an emphasis on local solutions, the program seeks to foster resilience among affected communities. As various stakeholders acknowledge the multi-faceted nature of these challenges, the collective effort involving government officials and community leaders underscores the importance of a united approach to peacebuilding. Addressing root causes such as economic deprivation and social divisions will be fundamental for achieving lasting stability in the region.
Original Source: eastleighvoice.co.ke
