DORI – In a concerted effort to enhance community cohesion and combat violent extremism, 64 representatives from the defense and security forces (FDS) and local communities gathered in Dori on September 19, 2024. The meeting, facilitated by the NGO Réseau Afrique Jeunesse (RAJ) and the Regional Committee of Sahel Unions (CRUS), focused on fostering better collaboration across social strata in the Sahel region.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the conclave served as a platform to align the security perspectives of the FDS and local populations under the theme ‘Local populations and FDS: the same security vision’. This initiative is part of the broader project titled “All together! Rebuilding social cohesion through the prevention of radicalization and the promotion of intra/intercommunity dialogue and the resilience of pastoralists in the North and Sahel regions,” as outlined by project supervisor Mr. Benjamin Moussa Sombié.

Mr. Sombié highlighted that this regional forum, the second organized by his team, was prompted by the pressing challenges of violent extremism, radicalization, and terrorism. These issues have underscored the need for such gatherings to foster open dialogue between the FDS and various social classes. The forum included discussions on the overarching security vision, potential areas for collaboration in preventing violent extremism, and the use of indigenous devices and mechanisms for countering radicalization in the Sahel.

Significantly, the forum also addressed the critical roles of women and youth in the prevention of radicalization. Mr. Sombié announced that the outcomes of these discussions would be broadly disseminated across the Sahel communities to enhance collective security efforts.

The event was opened by Mr. Valentin Maré, the High Commissioner of the Oudalan province, who lauded the initiative and encouraged candid and earnest discussions among the participants. His opening remarks set the tone for a forum aimed at deriving actionable insights that could substantially aid in curbing violent extremism and radicalization in the region.