The second Prevention and Counter Violent Extremism colloquium to be held in Kwale will greatly focus on ways of deterring young men at the Coast from joining terror networks.
The two day conference will also help bridge the gap between the community and security agents fighting terrorism at the Coast and in the country as well.
Speaking on Monday after meeting Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho in a briefing before the exact days of 14th and 15th of February when the conference will take place, Human Rights Agenda- HURIA Executive director Yusuf Lule Mwatsefu said that the conference was very important since the Coastal region has been affected by terrorism and extremism.
He said that though the situation was slowly going down, it was not the time for locals, security agents and human rights defenders to relax since the problem cannot be completely eradicated.
Lule said that the conference is meant to bring together political and community leaders, security agents and human rights defenders so that they all take responsibility in the fight against terrorism and extremism.
Lule said that proper strategies in the fight against terrorism and extremism will be deeply discussed and all partners involved in compiling the well planned strategy as a long term solution to the problem.
“The problem is still with us and we should work towards completely eradicating it,” he said.
Lule said that matters concerning youth employment and sustainable livelihood programmes and involvement of various partners including political, religious and community leaders should be given priority in containing terrorism and extremism in the region.
On his part, Mombasa governor Ali Hassan Joho who will also be among the participants in the conference said that he fully recognised efforts human rights organisation have implemented in helping out youth who were earlier members of the terror groups and vowed to work together with the defenders to ensure that terrorism and extremism among youth in Mombasa is properly approached.