Abstracts Political Science

The Role of Islamic Institutions in Preventing the Youth from Engaging in Violent Extremism: The Case of the Kilindi District in Tanzania.

by Ali Juma Ayubu

International relations and globalpeace and security are faced by a rather inescapably serious challengeof increasing radicalization, violent extremism, and terrorism. Tanzania is not an exception as youths, mainly Moslem, appear to increasingly join or support terror groups. This study examines the role of Islamic institutions in preventing the youth from engaging in violent extremism. Guided by the Derealization theory and the Vulnerability theory, the study identifiesthe reasons for increased radicalization, the effects of engaging in violent extremism, the various solutions employed in fighting violent extremism and the role that Islamic institutions play in preventing the youth from joining or supporting the terror groups. This is a qualitative study that takes a case of Kilindi District. Data was collected from fifty (50) participants from the various Islamic institutions in Kilindi using interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). It was found out that youths engage in violent jihadi or support terrorism due to persistent derealization through historical injustices and discrimination, political dissatisfaction, violation of human rights and the vulnerability resulting from insolvable poverty, lack of education, distorted religious teachings, unchecked youth associations and peer pressure. Even so, the apparent benefits of engaging in violent extremism are outweighed by the negative effects of doing so, such as the risk of death. While there are a few working strategies for prevention, such as providing employment and education to the youth, some other strategies as arbitrary arrests and harsh punishments were found to spark more radicalization. Even when Islamic institutions have played a significant role in deradicalization, many more youths seem to join and support terror groups. The study concludes that– although highly significant – the effort of Islamic institutions is not solely sufficient in fightingterrorism and violent extremism. Together with rehabilitation centers, proper religious teachings, employment and educating the youth, the study recommends that unanimous efforts of the government, security agencies, the private sector – including religious and non-religious institutions – must work together.