ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the phenomenon of radicalisation towards violent extremism and the efforts at de-radicalisation in Africa. It provides the conceptual framework of analysis. The chapter discusses the factors contributing to radicalisation in the continent. It describes the diverse methods violent extremist groups have adopted in radicalising sympathisers and recruits. The concept of radicalisation has gained significant currency among government officials, media practitioners, scholars, and security officials in discourses on terrorism and violent extremism, especially since the terrorist attacks of 11 September 2001. The usage of the term “violent extremism” in academic and policy circles has increasingly gained traction in recent times. In East Africa, Somalia, Kenya, and Uganda have been severely hit by terrorism, mostly executed by Somali-based Al-Shabaab and its local affiliates. The growing audacity of the Boko Haram area is one of the many developments that have made West-Central Africa a region of growing terror concern.
