Violent Extremism in West Africa Coastal States

Event details

In this CTPSR Webinar, Dr Festus Kofi Aubyn will explore issues of violent extremism in “Understanding the Drivers and Dynamics of Violent Extremism in West Africa Coastal States”.

Abstract

The rise of violent extremism in West Africa's coastal states has been a subject of intense debate among scholars, policymakers, and security practitioners. While some argue that the threat of violent extremism in these states is exaggerated, others contend that it is a reality that requires urgent attention particularly due to the spill-over effects of the  threat in the Sahel region. As part of the broader academic discourse on the threat, this presentation is aimed at contributing to an enhanced understanding of the drivers and dynamics of violent extremism in West Africa coastal states.

The presentation will specifically unpack the shared and varied factors that contribute to the emergence and growth of violent extremism in the coastal states, including political, economic, social, and cultural factors. Additionally, It will explore the plausible reasons behind the observed absence of violent extremist attacks in Ghana despite recorded attacks in the other coastal countries of Togo, Benin, and Cote d’Ivoire and the lessons that can be drawn from that experience. Lastly, the presentation will highlight the impact of PCVE (preventing and countering violent extremism) measures on the prevalence of violent extremism in the region and conclude with some actionable recommendations to address the issue.

Biography

Dr. Festus Kofi Aubyn is a Senior Researcher, and Lecturer, focusing on conflict and security management, terrorism, violent extremism, peacebuilding, and peace operations. He is currently the Head/Regional Coordinator, Research and Capacity Building at the West Africa Network for Peacebuilding (WANEP) regional office in Accra, Ghana.

Enquiries

For enquiries please contact Dr Gwenith Cross

+44 7392 096221
gwenith.cross@coventry.ac.uk

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