Exploring Eastern Africa's Landscape: A Scoping Study on an Independent Civil Society-UN Counter-Terrorism Engagement Mechanism

Abstract

This paper presents a scoping study conducted to examine the landscape of Eastern Africa in relation to an independent Civil Society-UN Counter-Terrorism Engagement Mechanism. The study aimed at gaining insights into the region's dynamics, challenges, and opportunities concerning counter-terrorism efforts involving civil society organizations (CSOs) in the region and the United Nations (UN). By adopting a comprehensive desktop review approach, the study analyzed existing literature, reports, documents, and other relevant materials. The findings highlight the significance of collaboration between CSOs and the UN in addressing the complex issues of terrorism and violent extremism in the region. The study also sheds light on the potential roles, strategies, and areas of engagement for an independent mechanism, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity, cooperation, and effective coordination. Based on the findings, this study recommends that it is important to foster partnerships, enhance information sharing, facilitate capacity building, promote dialogue and reconciliation, and ensure sustainable funding and support for CSOs-UN collaboration in CT/PCVE efforts.