30 May 2025
Terrorist groups continue to exploit individuals to expand their influence and extend their reach. Once individuals disengage from terrorist groups, it is imperative they receive the support needed to unlearn the extremist ideologies that fueled their radicalization. However, when it comes to Disengagement, Deradicalization, Rehabilitation, and Reintegration (DDRR), there is no “one size fits all” remedy.
Thus, there exists a need to strengthen government capacities to properly screen former violent extremist terrorists to establish individual profiles for DDRR. This need is increasingly critical when considering the delicate balance in determining the options for a former violent extremist terrorist: criminal prosecution or a rehabilitative pathway? To further understanding on this subject, the East Africa Capacity-Building Working Group (EA WG) – co-chaired by Kenya and Kuwait – organized a workshop to train practitioners responsible for handling violent extremist terrorists in the region.
The week-long session had practitioners undergo practical exercises to identify and apply tools used in the disengagement process along with simulations to practice real-world application. The final day brought together the practitioners, GCTF Members, and partners to share lessons learned and explore ways to strengthen national capacities through such training exercises. Participants discussed how to establish and operationalize pathways for DDRR that increase the likelihood that former violent extremist successfully reintegrate.
DDRR was identified as a priority area that aligns with key terrorism and violent extremism threats in East Africa by the EA WG in their 2024–2026 Work Plan. Kenya and Kuwait, in their capacities as Working Group Co-Chairs, will continue to support necessary capacity-building efforts against the terrorist threat in the region.