LIBERIA: ‘We Are All At Risk If…’ …ECOWAS Amb. warns Against Looming Threat of Violent Extremism, Terrorism

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Madam Josephine Nkrumah, Resident Representative and Ambassador of the President of the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, has stressed the need for concerted effort in tackling the looming threat of violent extremism and terrorism, stating that the entire West African sub region is at risk if nothing tangible is done to tackle these threats.

Violent extremism is the beliefs and actions of people who support or use violence to achieve ideological, religious, or political goals. This includes terrorism and other forms of politically motivated and communal violence.

Speaking Wednesday, May 15, 2024 at the official launch of a project aimed at creating awareness against terrorism and violent extremism in the Mano River Union countries by Center for Economic Crimes and Security Studies (CESS), the ECOWAS envoy said this looming threat needs the effort of every country in West Africa, especially those closely connected within the Mano River Basi.

According to her, terrorism and violence extremism are funded through money launders and they often find roots in the youth, who feel excluded from the governance process of the state.

And with West Africa, especially the Mano River belt having a high youthful demographic, she indicated that this poses greater threat to the region.

“They use violence extremism as a means of building popularity. Liberia has a huge youthful population and this is why it’s important to look at this keenly.”

“ECOWAS takes this very seriously as our youth are not getting the dividends of national government, it becomes a threat for everyone. These are happening at our doorstep and we must find a solution. Education is one of the pivotal tools we must use to prevent violent extremism.”

The ECOWAS diplomat stressed the need for free movement, but with security measures put in place to deter whatever effort of terrorism and violent extremism.

In remarks, Trokon Freeman, Interim Program Coordinator, explained that Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA), has provided funding to two civil society groups to carry out sensitization and awareness on violent extremism and terrorism and other preventative measures in the Mano River Union and Northeastern Nigeria, with the Center for Economic Crimes and Security Studies (CESS) leading the process in the Mano River Union countries (Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Côte d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast).

He said this all-important project aimed at bringing awareness and preventive measure against terrorism and violent extremism in the Mano River Union Region. Violent extremism is the beliefs and actions of people who support or use violence to achieve ideological, religious, or political goals.

“You may recall that on 14th September 2019, the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government at their extraordinary meeting held in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, adopted a political declaration and a regional action plan against terrorism. This action plan has eight components, and component six is devoted to countering the financing of terrorism in the region.’’

“The project we are launching today is a testament to our collective resolve to not only confront these challenges but to lay the groundwork for a future where peace and prosperity can flourish. Through a comprehensive approach of citizens’ engagement and mobilization, we aim to dismantle the networks that perpetrate these crimes and offer a beacon of hope to those who might otherwise be lost to extremism.”

He disclosed that with support from the GIABA, CESS will over the next six months lead the efforts on preventive measures in the Mano River Region by partnering with key Civil Society Organizations in the Republic of Sierra Leone and Guinea.

“Our focus and engagement will include stakeholders’ engagement with religious leaders, youth, and women groups, on preventive measures against extremism.
Militant Islamist group violence in Burkina Faso, Mali, and western Niger increased by 70 percent in 2021. This continued an uninterrupted escalation and spread of violent events in the region since 2015. Initially cantered in Mali, militant Islamist group activity shifted progressively to Burkina Faso, which now accounted for 58 percent of all violent events in the Sahel.”

“From Burkina Faso, militant Islamist groups increasingly targeted countries to the south including Côte d’Ivoire, Benin, and Togo. Benin experienced nine attacks attributed to militant Islamist groups in its borderlands since December 2021. Two of these were sophisticated operations involving explosive devices. The attacks killed eight people, including park rangers and security forces, over the course of 2 days.”

Professor Alaric Tokpa, Chairman of the Governance Commission (GC), extolled the organizer for the initiative and pledged GC’s support to the program.

“GC is very happy that this initiative is being taken by Liberians to ensure peace and security in the region. There is much we can do to turn people away from turning unclean money into clean money. You have the full cooperation of the GC. Our doors shall be opened.”

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