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In Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado, the youth are disproportionately affected by the conflict waged by the insurgent group, Ahlu-Sunna Wa-Jama’a (ASWJ). Factors such as unemployment, disruptions to education and an economy that offers little in terms of job prospects make the youth particularly at risk of being recruited by extremists. Limited channels for engagement with the government and the absence of formalised structures for youth also mean that they continue to be seen as “part of the problem” rather than the positive force that they can be, driving innovation and change, and acting as peacebuilders within their communities.

Recognising the critical and important role that the youth can play in building community resilience and preventing violent extremism, the IJR joined forces with partners the Centre for Democratic Dialogue (CDD) in Mozambique, to hold focus groups in Pemba and Montepuez in September 2021. The main aim of these focus groups was to identify the push and pull factors of extremism in youth and to determine factors that increased their resilience. In total, 95 participants were engaged. These participants had been identified through CDD focal points and youth hubs operating in Cabo Delgado. Semi-structured questions have developed the basis of literature on the drivers of conflict, and resilience. These were translated into local languages (makhwa, maconde, mwani and Swahili) as required, with attention paid to principles of “Do-no-harm” and ensuring anonymity.

The findings of the focus groups reveal that the primary driving force for youth extremism is economic. In Cabo Delgado, hunger and the lack of human development are key challenges. In 2020, Mozambique ranked 181 out of 189 countries on the Human Development Index (HDI) and in 2021, Afrobarometer data shows that 21% of youths go without food ‘many times,’ 7% ‘several times, and 2% ‘always.’ Unemployment is also a key factor. Not only do limited future prospects leave the youth feeling helpless, but this also pushes them to take radical action to change their circumstances. This has worsened under COVID-19. Youth participants explained how the ASWJ used promises of food and money to recruit people to mosques where manipulated religious messages were preached. Youth explained that it was not religion that primarily drove youth recruitment, but manipulation of religious messages and ethnic identity. Unequal distribution of resources and the perception that certain ethnicities and provinces were being given access to resources also played a role.

Youth also explained that the lack of safety and security played a role in decision-making, with some preferring to join the extremist group rather than face death. Afrobarometer data from 2021 shows that one in four citizens fear extremist violence. This is further worsened by a lack of distrust in the military, with youths pointing to human rights abuses, intimidation, and arrest. While some have considered joining the military as a means of protection, others had little faith in its ability to function, pointing to the presence of foreign armed troops. This draws attention to the fact that basic human security needs are not being met.

Moreover, many youths feel alienated and marginalised by the State. Youths indicated that many frustrations and grievances remained unaddressed, due to non-existent avenues for engagement with the government. Corruption and an unequal dispensation of wealth further entrench these attitudes. Afrobarometer data also shows a democratic despondency, with more than 58% of Mozambicans aged between 18- and 30-years indicating dissatisfaction with the countries’ democracy in 2021. Youth also pointed to a lack of social cohesion, with low levels of patriotism, a loss of hope and low levels of trust. Roughly one in four youth feel they have been treated unfairly based on religion or ethnicity.

In discussing resilience, the youth overwhelmingly appealed for inclusion in meetings, dialogues and through local government structures. Nationally, 2021 Afrobarometer data shows that job creation is the highest priority for youth investment (53%), followed by job training (13%), education (12%), social services (11%) and business loans (10%). While some progress has been made in establishing the North Integrated Development Agency (ADIN) in 2020, which intends to focus on the rebuilding of infrastructure as well as to develop social and economic projects for youth inclusion, attention also needs to be paid to how best the youth can be engaged in peace and security.

The role of youth in this regard has been widely touted by the United Nations in resolutions 2250 (2015), 2419 (2018) and 2535 (2020). The African Union (AU) has also developed a Continental Framework for Youth, Peace and Security (YPS) as well as a 10-year implementation plan (2020 – 2029). However, these plans have not been domesticated at sub-regional (SADC) level and   a national level.

Without a clear strategy to increase youth inclusion, it is unlikely that youth resilience can be built. It is first important that any strategy to address violent extremism in Mozambique must first address the needs of basic needs of the populations – hunger, shelter, education, and safety, among others. Finding creative strategies for job creation is critical and social grants may offer a means of cushioning some of the shocks that youth face. However, in the long-term, the government must adopt a more inclusive and participatory approach to youth engagement to prevent the cycle of conflict from continuing.

Stay tuned for the full publication!

Amanda Lucey, Project Leader in Violent Extremism