Addis Ababa, December 18, 2024 (FMC) – Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) executive secretary Dr. Workneh Gebeyehu has emphasized that governments can no longer combat terrorism in isolation and must engage with the media. He noted that the power to influence society has shifted from governments and religious authorities to the hands of individuals due to advances in technology and social media. “Every citizen is a journalist,” he stated, warning that this democratization of information allows extremist voices to spread influence more easily.
Dr. Workneh pointed out that terrorist organizations are also leveraging social media and traditional outlets to promote their agendas, making it critical for communities to remain vigilant. According to IGAD, these groups are effectively using various channels to radicalize individuals and instill fear, underscoring the media’s role as a vital component in their strategy. Dr. Simon Nyambura, director of the IGAD Centre of Excellence for Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (ICEPCVE), reinforced this notion by stating, “The media is the oxygen that feeds extremist agendas.”
The global threat of terrorism continues to be alarming, with the Global Terrorism Index 2024 reporting a 22% increase in terrorism-related deaths in 2023. While regional security showed slight improvement, areas like Somalia and Kenya remain particularly vulnerable to attacks, demonstrating the ongoing risks. The ease with which social media can disseminate information across borders also allows violent extremists to exploit these platforms for their own gain.
In his remarks during the Regional Media Forum on Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) held in Mombasa, Kenya, on December 17, 2024, Workneh called for proactive measures from governments and media organizations to set strategic agendas against terrorism. The forum, themed “Strengthening the Capacity of Media in P/CVE: Best Practices and Lessons Learned,” highlighted the essential partnership between states and mainstream media in curbing violent extremism. Initially founded in 1986 as the Intergovernmental Authority on Drought and Development (IGADD), IGAD has transitioned to address broader security challenges in the region.