A Transnational Multifaceted Strategy for Overcoming Violent Extremism in the Sahara Region

Abstract:

This paper examines the variegated areas through which violent extremism can be curbed within the identified area called the Sahel. It also analyzes ways through which this can be achieved by transnational cooperation and commitment to dissolving the strength of extremists in the area. The paper adopts the descriptive method and library instrument to generate data, especially documented literature obtainable from books, journals, periodicals, reports, newspapers and magazines. Findings show that the AU Strategy for the Sahel region lists Algeria, Burkina Faso, Chad, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Sudan as countries making up the Sahel region but for the purposes of its strategy for the region includes Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria and Senegal on the basis that though outside the immediate zone deserve the same attention. Strategy for curbing violent extremism may involve political, economic, military and sociocultural inertia among other things. The paper concludes that, having a transnational cooperation will ensure lasting peace within the region by creating energetic entrepreneurs in the long run who will bring development to the region against terror and violence. The paper recommends effective fight against poverty and creating job opportunities to deal with idleness of the youth among other things.