Include vulnerable groups in fight against violent extremism — FOSDA

The Foundation for Security and Development in Africa (FOSDA), a non-profit organisation, has called for the inclusion of vulnerable and marginalised groups in national and community-level conversations on preventing violent extremism and peacebuilding.

The organisation said such individuals, though often overlooked, were among the most susceptible to recruitment by extremist groups.

A board member of FOSDA, Afi Azaratu Yakubu, who made the call, underscored the need to engage vulnerable groups who, despite appearing “invisible,” are often the first targets of extremist recruitment due to poverty, unemployment and neglect.

“They see and hear everything, yet their voices are often missing in our peace and security conversations. We need to sensitise and build their skills so they can provide critical information that could help save entire communities", she stressed.

Consultation workshop 

She was speaking at a stakeholder consultation meeting on the Women Peace Circle (WPC) framework in Tamale.

The meeting, which was organised by FOSDA in collaboration with the STAR-Ghana Foundation and the West Africa Centre for Counter Extremism (WACCE) and funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, brought together peacebuilding actors, civil society representatives and community leaders to deliberate on modalities for establishing the Women Peace Circles.

The initiative, which formed part of an eight-month Strengthening Systems for Resilience against Extremism (SURE) Project, sought to strengthen women’s roles as peace brokers, enhance their contributions to community resilience and promote their active participation in local peace processes.

Empowerment

In her remarks, Ms Yakubu highlighted that empowering at-risk individuals with the right knowledge and confidence would enable them to play vital roles in early warning systems and community vigilance.

She added that “there should be no time limit in fighting extremists,” he cautioned.

“Extremism evolves with time and so must our strategies and community engagement efforts be targeted at every group of people".

For her part, the Executive Director of FOSDA, Theodora Williams-Anti, emphasised women's crucial role in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, noting that women were not just victims of violent extremism but powerful agents of change.

She said establishing the Women Peace Circles would provide a platform for women to engage meaningfully in early warning, mediation and peace dialogue processes at the grassroots level.

“Women are natural peacebuilders. When given the right support, they can influence families and communities to reject violence and promote tolerance,” she said.

Implementation

The Northern Regional Programme Manager of STAR-Ghana Foundation, Frederick  Yenbaar Nuuri-Teg, explained that the SURE Project was implemented in 12 border districts across northern Ghana, focusing on strengthening local resilience to violent extremism.

He said the project supported economic empowerment initiatives in addition to community sensitisation, helping women acquire sustainable livelihoods to reduce their vulnerability to extremist influences.

“The Women Peace Circles will serve as community platforms for dialogue and women-led initiatives that promote peace and counter radicalisation,” he added.

Writer’s email:mohammed.fugu@graphic.com.gh