Politics
Technology sees al-Shabaab emerge to become a threat to Ethiopia
“We have seen al-Shabaab emerge to become a regional threat. A wide range of operations is employed to defeat these violent extremist organisations and their propaganda,” Grigsby said, pointing towards the need for more deliberation on the strategic messaging campaign to counter extremism.
For many pundits, it has been apparent that violent extremists have made effective use of the Internet and social media to advance their aims, whether through engagement, propaganda, radicalization or recruitment. “We have observed that the focus of counter terrorism experts has been on countering the operational use of Internet, text messaging and other electronic media used by terrorists for acts of terrorism”, said Selassie.
The experts explained that emphasis on restrictive measures, such as take downs and filtering, has not achieved the desired outcome so far. The 60 experts from nations in or around the Horn of Africa, along with U.S. government officials, from international organisations, are expected to come out with “strategic approaches to countering violent extremist messaging in the region” on time.
“Equally important is that your deliberations focus on how to counter extremist narratives, on ways to reach out to the most vulnerable groups and individuals who can be led into the paths of radicalization and violent extremism,” added Selassie. The rest of the week-long meeting, which ends on 28 February, is being held behind closed doors.
Copyright The Africa Report 2014
