SADC Hosts Annual Regional Conference on Deradicalisation in Livingstone
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held its Annual Regional Conference of Heads of Corrections, Prisons, and Penitentiary Services from June 5-7, 2024, in Livingstone, Zambia.
The conference, attended by representatives from 15 SADC Member States, was centered around the theme “Deradicalisation to Violent Extremism and Terrorism”.
The Mayor of Livingstone, Her Worship Constance Muleabai, opened the event by welcoming the delegates to Zambia’s tourist capital.
In her remarks, she expressed the city’s honor in hosting such a significant gathering, underscoring the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing regional security challenges.
Honourable Credo Nanjuwa, Minister for the Southern Province of Zambia and representative of the Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, officially inaugurated the conference.
He emphasized the conference’s critical timing, as the continent faces escalating threats from terrorism and violent extremism.
Minister Nanjuwa highlighted that deradicalisation requires a multifaceted approach, involving various sectors, including corrections and prison services, to effectively counteract the spread of radical ideologies.
Prof. Kula Theletsane, Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Cooperation, addressed the changing security landscape in the region.
He pointed out that prisons and correctional facilities can potentially become breeding grounds for radical ideas, necessitating their involvement in counter-radicalisation strategies.
Prof. Theletsane stressed the urgency of addressing radicalisation, calling for immediate and coordinated action from all stakeholders.
Throughout the conference, participants discussed the progress of the SADC Corrections/Prisons Strategic Action Plan 2021-2025.
Key recommendations from the discussions included the need for enhanced capacity building and skills development for prison staff on issues of radicalisation, violent extremism, and terrorism.
Additionally, there was a call to strengthen reporting, monitoring, and evaluation mechanisms, and to design programs addressing mental health challenges faced by both prisoners and prison staff.
The event provided a platform for delegates to share their experiences and best practices, fostering a collaborative environment aimed at developing effective deradicalisation strategies.
The collective goal is to reinforce understanding and enhance preventive and responsive measures against violent extremism and terrorism across the region.
The conference concluded with a reaffirmation of SADC’s commitment to combating radicalisation and extremism through cohesive and innovative approaches, ensuring the security and stability of the Southern African region.
Source: SADC
