Remarks at the National Consultations for the Development of a Regional IGAD Strategy for Countering Violent Extremism
By UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative, Uganda, Ms. Rosa Malango
Kampala
Thursday, 25th August 2016 at 10.00am, Imperial Royale Hotel, Kampala
Honourable Mr. Obiga Kania, Minister of State for Internal Affairs;
Your Excellency the Ambassador of Japan to Uganda, Mr. Kazuaki Kameda;
Development Partners Present;
Colleagues from the United Nations;
Regional and National Organizations;
Civil Society Present;
Members of the Press;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
It gives me great pleasure to address these consultations for the development of a Regional Strategy on Countering Violent Extremism. It is an honor to work with IGAD and the member states in a developing a coherent strategy to violent extremism.
In-as-much as Africa has made significant strides on the social, economic and governance front, a number of challenges persist. Some of these challenges have inadvertently become a strong mobilization point for radicalization and violent extremism. For instance, Africa is one of the continents with a largely youthful population. Youth in Uganda, account for about 70% of the population. Failure to engage them constructively leaves them vulnerable to many risks including recruitment to violent extremism.
The 2010 bombings in Kyadondo Rugby Ground in Kampala which left about 74 people dead, and for which Al Shabaab claimed responsibility, demonstrates the extent of this risk.
The growth of violent extremism over the years, makes its countering and indeed prevention, everyone’s business. This is key because it not only threatens security, but the pursuit of development too. I commend the countries of the region who have taken lead in addressing this risk. For countries like Uganda, it is of particular importance because it is a safe haven for over 600, 000 refugees currently. Successfully managing its security in order to achieve Vision 2040 is of paramount importance.
In addition to being a security threat, violent extremism has resulted in economies suffering. Kenya reported a 25% drop in tourism following the Westgate attack. This reiterates the urgency for both governments and private sector to work together to ensure that violent extremism does not jeopardise the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals in our countries.
At UNDP and the UN, we recognize that while the battle for violent extremism needs to be won at the local and national level it requires a regional response to be sustained. This meeting today is a recognition of the consensus of this view amongst us all here: that we must work together to achieve 2030 Agenda in our region and the world. For example: International Organization for Migration (IOM), just signed a four-year partnership with the government to strengthen social cohesion and community security in informal settlements. This demonstrates the diverse opportunities available for engagement.
I would like to recognize the Government of Japan for the partnership with UNDP, IGAD, AU and member states in countering violent extremism. I look forward to a continued partnership on this journey.
The national consultations, therefore, provide a great opportunity to share best practices and promote work currently being undertaken towards a coherent regional strategy. These include: legislative reforms, national counter-terrorism and CVE strategies, partnerships with CSO initiatives, local communities, women and youth.
On behalf of UNDP and UN, I confirm our commitment to continue to support member states to address the threats posed by violent extremism to the social, economic and development transformation going forward.
I Thank You.
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