PEACEBUILDING FROM THE BOTTOM: LOCAL YOUTH NON- GOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS STRATEGIES TO PREVENT TERRORISM AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM IN MALI
Date
2021
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Abstract
Not long ago, Mali was considered a beacon of stability and a model of democratic evolution in West Africa. However, since 2012, when Mali experienced a military coup, many parts of the country, especially the central and northern regions, have become insecurity hotspots of activity by violent extremist groups, military operations, and intercommunal violence. With the Malian state unable to establish its authority and exercise the monopoly of force in these regions, chronic insecurity reigns and undermines prospects for peace and economic development. As interest in young people has gained significant traction in both policy and academic circles, partly informed by the correlations between a “youth bulge,” youth involvement in violent extremism, and the failure of national and international military presence to curb insecurity across Mali, Local Youth Non-Governmental Organizations (LYNGOs) have become key actors in preventing young people from joining violent extremist groups. LYNGOs have contributed in different ways to the proactive prevention of violent extremism through peacebuilding initiatives. They have flourished in ways that validate the local wisdom and indigenous conflict resolution and prevention techniques of indigenous population groups. Their presence within and service to communities has positioned them as effective interlocutors to tackle many of the ongoing development, political, and socioeconomic challenges that give rise to an environment conducive to violent extremism. Despite their rapid rise, there are still significant gaps in the development and security sphere regarding LYNGOs’ strategy and what LYNGOs in Mali do in specific contexts. In addition, existing academic research does not provide an in-depth analysis of the strategies and instruments that LYNGOs implement in preventing and countering the engagement of young people in violent extremism. This research aims to help fill these gaps. Through an in-depth analysis of three LYNGOs working to prevent youth enrolment into violent extremism in central and northern Mali, this research seeks to identify the strategies of these LYNGOs — and then to situate them within broader theories of conflict analysis and resolution that are relevant to efforts to prevent violent extremism.