The East African region faces multiple threats from different armed groups, including Al Shabaab and ISIS, which are responsible for many attacks and deaths linked to violent extremism in the region.
Recent high-profile attacks, including the attack of the Dusit in Nairobi in 2019 by Al Shabaab, show that these groups are capable of operationalizing domestically radicalized youth to systemically undermine regional security. The growing youth population in the region, coupled with country-specific socio-economic, religious, or political grievances, provide fertile grounds for recruitment.
Two Chapters were established in 2020 in Somalia and Uganda with the support of Denmark’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). These were created in partnership with Ilwad Elman and Hassan Ndugwa, two Extremely Together Leaders leading networks of young people in Somalia and Uganda, respectively. The local chapters’ work focuses on fostering positive, peer-to-peer youth engagement to prevent violent extremism and promote respect for diversity and unity in both countries, but also within the region. Activities conducted by chapters include training programs for youth, and sensitization through mediums like theatre, community radios, or intercommunal and intergenerational dialogues. Exchanges between both chapters are regularly organized as a way of sharing experiences and reflecting on lessons learned.
East Africa Chapters
Extremely Together
Extremely Together Somalia
75% of people in Somalia are under the age of 30. The country’s long-lasting civil war has left an entire generation disillusioned. Volatile politics and a vacuum in security has also created space for violent extremist activity to emerge.
Different armed groups, including Al-Shabaab, have been engaged in an ongoing standoff with the government, and have perpetrated a number of attacks over the country – the most notable one being the 2017 Mogadishu bombings which killed at least 587 civilians and injured 316. The military response by the Somali government and the aerial strikes by its allies have resulted in deaths, injuries, and displacement of countless civilians across the country, reinforcing the recognition that a military solution alone will not defeat terrorism in Somalia.
The Somali Chapter was established in collaboration with Elman Peace to counter the risk of young Somalis joining extremist groups, and to suggest alternative solutions to violence. The chapter organizes a range of activities including workshops on key topics like conflict analysis, community-driven peace, or elections, but also violence and drug prevention advocacy initiatives, and relief activities in refugee camps.
Extremely Together Uganda
Uganda is the second youngest country in the world, with a median age of just 15.7 and over 70% of its population under the age of 30.
Prospects for young people are undermined by economic difficulties, and limited access to sustainable livelihoods. Socio-economic, religious, and political grievances create fertile grounds for recruiters from violent extremist groups.
The Ugandan chapter was established in partnership with the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum (UMYDF) to find a solution to these issues. It consists of twenty Chapter Members and ten additional Coordinating Members from secondary schools who work to raise awareness around them.
Activities led by chapter members have included inter-religious discussions between different faith communities, sensitization activities through theatre and art, and training for young people on how to resist radicalization. Their approach relies heavily on collaboration with parents, authorities, schools, teachers, and other community leaders. Beyond community-focused activities, our Chapter has also been involved in national efforts and government-led efforts to empower young people, and to reduce the impact of violent extremism in the country.
Publications + Media
First published in
Tackling Violent Extremism in Uganda: Lessons Learnt
Lessons Learnt from a Community Resilience Approach Violent extremism (VE) is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, bringing terror and instability to all sections of society. Today, there are fewer terrorist groups, but the nature and scale of attacks carried out by groups like the Allied Democratic Forces in Uganda are becoming […]
First published in
Extremely Together's Uganda Chapter hosts community dialogue for vulnerable youth
Earlier this month Extremely Together’s Uganda Chapter leader Hassan Ndugwa and his organisation the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum (UMDYF) conducted a community dialogue for vulnerable youth in Bugiri district on how to prevent and counter violent extremism. The focus was to engage leaders on the challenges faced by young people, potential solutions and opportunities in one […]
First published in
Introducing Extremely Together's Ilwad Elman of Somalia
Ilwad shares her expectations for the Extremely Together project and the role of young people as peacebuilders.
First published in
Tackling Violent Extremism in Uganda: Lessons Learnt
Lessons Learnt from a Community Resilience Approach Violent extremism (VE) is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, bringing terror and instability to all sections of society. Today, there are fewer terrorist groups, but the nature and scale of attacks carried out by groups like the Allied Democratic Forces in Uganda are becoming […]
First published in
Extremely Together's Uganda Chapter hosts community dialogue for vulnerable youth
Earlier this month Extremely Together’s Uganda Chapter leader Hassan Ndugwa and his organisation the Uganda Muslim Youth Development Forum (UMDYF) conducted a community dialogue for vulnerable youth in Bugiri district on how to prevent and counter violent extremism. The focus was to engage leaders on the challenges faced by young people, potential solutions and opportunities in one […]
First published in
Introducing Extremely Together's Ilwad Elman of Somalia
Ilwad shares her expectations for the Extremely Together project and the role of young people as peacebuilders.