SADC Acting Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Affairs, Kealeboga Moruti has noted that conflict prevention and peacebuilding dynamics require a multi-sectoral approach to effectively address and develop sustainable solutions.

According to Moruti, one of the critical partners to support durable peacebuilding efforts is the correctional/prison/penitentiary service while governments, civil society actors, regional organisations all have a key role to play in de-radicalisation.

She was speaking at the opening of the four-day SADC Regional Workshop on Preventing Radicalisation to Violent Extremism and Violence in Prisons in Walvis Bay on Tuesday.

“We know that safe, secure and humane detention of violent offenders, including potential spoilers to peace processes and members of extremist groups, can significantly contribute to public safety. Hence, our rehabilitation and reintegration programmes should firmly implement international instruments that speak to human rights such as the Nelson Mandela Rules,” she expressed.

In 2021, SADC developed the Regional Counter-Terrorism Strategy which recognises that preventing and combating terrorism are key to ensuring national and regional peace and stability in the SADC region.

According to Moruti, the strategy also recognises that implementing the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy and the Organisation of the African Unity Convention on the Prevention and Combating of Terrorism in Africa offers a unique opportunity to coordinate efforts and provide direction for counter-terrorism initiatives.

Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Albert Kawana, in a speech delivered on his behalf said that as Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security, Namibia is focused in executing the mandate of the entity which is to provide a foundation of peace and stability in the SADC region.

Kawana applauded the workshop’s focus on radicalisation prevention, violent extremism and recruitment through institutional and State cooperation, emphasising that it is part of the Plan of Action on the implementation of the Counter-Terrorism Strategy for SADC and the ultimate objective is for its people to enjoy peace and stability.

“The goal is therefore to pursue a safer region with special focus on prevention and readiness to counter violent extremism and radicalisation within our correctional, prisons and penitentiary institutions. This is with the growing recognition that places of detention have become targets for recruitment of potential violent extremists or radicalisation using all types of luring methods,” he stressed.

Source: The Namibia Press Agency