ABOUT THE CENTER
The Centre for Terrorism, Violent Extremism and Radicalization undertakes in-depth research on the drivers, dynamics, and impacts of terrorism and violent extremism in the Horn of Africa. The Centre analyses socio-economic, political, cultural, and individual factors contributing to radicalization and extremist violence while providing evidence-based policy recommendations for prevention and response. Through research, stakeholder engagement, and capacity-building initiatives, the Centre supports efforts aimed at promoting peace, resilience, and social cohesion.
STRATEGIC CONTEXT
The region remains heavily impacted by resilient terror groups, most notably Al-Shabaab and emerging ISIS affiliates. Traditional kinetic (military) responses have proven insufficient on their own, creating an urgent need for localized, soft-power interventions to disrupt radicalization pipelines.
Radicalization is rooted in weak governance, economic deprivation, and social marginalization — structural conditions that military responses alone cannot address. Countering this effectively requires evidence-based, community-rooted approaches that target the underlying drivers of extremism before they take hold.
EXPANDED RESEARCH DOMAINS
Ideological Drivers and Recruitment Topography
Analyzing how extremist narratives exploit local grievances and socio-economic marginalization
Terrorist Financing
Investigating the complex financial ecosystems of terror groups, including extortion networks and the abuse of informal remittance systems.
Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DRR)
Evaluating the efficacy of amnesty programs and community reintegration challenges for defectors
Strategic Communication (STRATCOM)
Designing effective counter-narratives to neutralize extremist propaganda in both physical and digital spheres
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACH & POLICY IMPACT
The Center publishes research through bulletins, policy briefs, and books; and holds workshops, seminars, conferences, roundtable discussions, and consultative meetings. Through the Prevention of Terrorism Program and the INFORM Initiative, the Center delivers direct community-level prevention interventions and strategic communications support to governments and civil society across the Horn
FEATURED ANALYSIS
PUBLICATIONS FROM THIS CENTER
Authors: Hamadi I. Boga, Halimu S. Shauri, Hassan A. Mwakimako, Mohammed S. Mraja, Stephen O. Akoth
Radicalization into Violent Extremism in Coastal Kenya: Genesis, Impact and Responses
Authors: Mustafa Yusuf Ali, Mumo Nzau, Hassan Khannenje
The Changing Dynamics of Terrorism and Violent Extremism: Policy and Practice
Authors: Mustafa Yusuf Ali, Mumo Nzau, Hassan Khannenje
The Changing Dynamics of Terrorism and Violent Extremism: An Analysis
Authors: Mustafa Y. Ali, Ph.D.
The Globalization of Terrorism: From Sicariis, Assassins to ISIS
Authors: Boga, Shauri, Mwakimako, Mraja & Akoth
Radicalization into Violent Extremism in Coastal Kenya