Terror fight: Govts cannot monopolise information

MOMBASA - Governments can no longer fight terror independently without relying on the media, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) executive secretary Dr Workneh Gebeyehu has said.

"The monopoly of influencing the community was at one time in the hands of governments and religious leaders," he says.

However, that ship sailed with the advent of technology and social media: "Every citizen is a journalist. Therefore, Workneh says wrong voices including those of terrorists and extremists are influencing communities more.

Transnational crimes are being committed using technology: "If you are lazy, the criminals are not lazy". 

Workneh was referring to the fact that terror organisations are now also using social media influencers and traditional news outlets. 

These groups, according to IGAD, are maximising every available channel to radicalise followers, instil fear and gain global notoriety.

"The media is the oxygen that feeds extremist agendas," IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE) director Dr Simon Nyambura says. “Publicity is key for them. That’s why we must remain vigilant, especially in reporting terror-related events.”

The threat posed by terrorism remains a global concern as indicated by the Global Terrorism Index 2024, which says deaths from terrorism surged by 22% in 2023, reaching their highest levels since 2017.

The IGAD's Statistics, Facts, and Figures 2023 report indicates a slight improvement in regional security, but the situation is far from resolved. Somalia and Kenya, in particular, continue to bear the brunt of attacks, highlighting the persistent risks.

These statistics are compounded by the fact that a social media post can ripple across continents. It is because of this that violent extremists and terrorists are weaponising media platforms with alarming sophistication to amplify their agendas. 

Workneh has, therefore, urged the governments and media houses of the member states to be proactive when it comes to setting agendas against terror and violent extremism. 

He was speaking at the Regional Media Forum on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) at PrideInn Paradise Beach Resort, Convention Centre & Spa in Mombasa, Kenya, on December 17, 2024.

Themed: Strengthening the Capacity of Media in P/CVE: Best Practices and Lessons Learned, the forum emphasised the role of governments and mainstream media in countering violent extremism.

Established in 1986 as the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), the organisation initially focused on drought control and development initiatives.

Dr. James Oranga, and Mohamed Houmed during the meeting. (IGAD Photo)

In 1996, its mandate was expanded, and it was rebranded as IGAD, with an increased emphasis on peacebuilding, economic integration, social and regional development.  

Nyambura warns against complacency, stressing that terrorist activity in the region remains a potent danger: "Somalia has seen devastating attacks, and countries like Kenya, Uganda, and others are not immune. A multi-stakeholder approach is crucial to countering this menace effectively".

Soft power is key

ICEPCVE deputy director and head of capacity building Mohamed Houmed said IGAD is keen on soft power capabilities in its strategy to prevent and counter violent extremism. This is because it is the most effective strategy against terror. 

"A bullet can kill a man but not his strategies! Bullets (by individual States) have often not adequately addressed the violent extremism threat, counter-narratives remain key in preventing and countering violent extremism efforts," Houmed said.

• How IGAD member states are 'promoting terror, extremism'

Building resilience

The Mombasa forum, funded by the Norwegian government, brought together media practitioners from across IGAD member states, including Uganda, Djibouti, Kenya, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Somalia. Participants were trained on best practices for reporting terrorism and violent extremism while upholding ethical standards.

The region still grapples with the challenges of security threats, disinformation and misinformation, sometimes perpetuated by state operatives, which is why media houses are being asked to build robust networks to champion counter-extremism narratives.

This collaboration, coupled with community engagement, according to IGAD, will help disrupt the cycles of fear and propaganda that extremists rely on.

During the event, Workneh launched the Media Practitioners checklist for reporting on Violent Extremism produced by ICEPCVE.

It is hoped that the handbook will help streamline how media houses in the region report on terrorism and violent extremism.