(Freetown, Sierra Leone – 22nd July 2025) – The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), in partnership with Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone, and with funding support from the Government of Sweden through the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA), has undertaken a four-day training course on Women, Youth, and Violent Extremism and Terrorism.
The training is the result of extensive research and consultations with experts and key stakeholders, as well as findings from studies conducted in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Nigeria. The course brings together a broad spectrum of participants, including women and youth leaders, security actors, traditional and religious leaders, civil society representatives, and international partners.
The training is designed to strengthen the knowledge and capacity of women and youth groups, alongside critical national and regional stakeholders, to prevent radicalization and counter violent extremism across Sierra Leone and the wider West African sub-region. Participants will be equipped with practical tools to contribute effectively to national and regional security strategies aimed at countering extremist recruitment.
Speaking at the opening ceremony for the training programme, Sierra Leone’s Minister for Internal Affairs, Hon. Morie Lengor, noted that the threat of violent extremism, once seen as a distant challenge confined to Sahel conflict zones, has grown more immediate.
“Violent extremism is adapting to new environments, exploiting governance vulnerabilities, and preying on the frustrations of those excluded from political and economic participation. Sierra Leone, like many coastal West African states, now finds itself at a critical juncture on the frontline of efforts to prevent the southward spread of extremist ideologies and actions,” he said.
The Minister highlighted Sierra Leone’s hard-earned experience in overcoming conflict and emphasized the importance of inclusive governance, community ownership, and open dialogue. He called on the courage of women and the innovation of youth to use technology, art, and activism as tools to challenge hate, resist radicalization, and rebuild trust in communities.
In attendance was Ghana’s High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, H.E. Dr. Senalor Kwabla Yawlui, who addressed the participants and underscored the significance of the initiative. He challenged participants to fully embrace the training and use the knowledge gained to build resilience in their communities.
Dr. Yawlui urged participants to build their capacity, and return to your communities better equipped to counter the forces of radicalization and violent extremism.
In his opening remarks, the Acting Commandant of KAIPTC, Air Commodore David Anettey Akrong, reiterated that violent extremism is a growing threat in West Africa, including in coastal states such as Sierra Leone due to spillover risks from neighboring conflict-prone regions.
“Young people and women, already facing economic exclusion, social injustice, and political marginalization, are being increasingly targeted by extremist recruiters. The trends are alarming and must not be ignored. Our response must be proactive, evidence-based, and, most importantly, inclusive,” he stated.
Air Commodore Akrong emphasized that the course draws on valuable lessons from across West Africa, particularly Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, and Côte d’Ivoire.
Highlighting the importance of innovation and adaptability, the Acting Commandant noted that the course leverages digital platforms and technology to expand its reach and deepen community engagement—both essential elements in building resilience and preventing the spread of violent extremism.
