Islamic Alliance concludes integration program in Nairobi to combat terrorism
The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC) concluded its “Integration” program, aimed at enhancing the capabilities of specialists in rehabilitation and social reintegration, in Nairobi, Kenya. This program is part of the Coalition’s ongoing efforts to address the root causes of extremism and terrorism through scientific and practical approaches that go beyond traditional security solutions.
A strategic context for combating extremist ideology
The Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition (IMCTC), headquartered in Riyadh, was established as a unified body to lead Islamic efforts in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. The coalition operates across four main areas: intellectual, media, counter-terrorism financing, and military. The “Integration” program falls under the intellectual domain, focusing on correcting misconceptions and addressing the root causes that drive individuals toward extremism, reflecting the coalition’s view that the fight against terrorism is primarily an intellectual battle.
Details of the “Integration” program in Nairobi
The five-day program brought together leading experts and professionals in rehabilitation and reintegration from member states, and featured a high-level presence including Brigadier General Joel Karimi, Deputy Chief of Military Intelligence of the Republic of Kenya. The program's primary objective was to build the professional and intellectual capacities of those responsible for rehabilitation programs, and to enhance their understanding of the scientific foundations and practical methodologies for addressing extremism and terrorist behavior.
The program's six themes
The session's activities included six main themes that formed a roadmap for the participants, and these included:
- Concepts of rehabilitation, integration, and the model framework for programs.
- The foundations for designing effective rehabilitation and integration programs.
- Understanding the nature of the crime of terrorism and its psychological and social motives.
- The scientific basis for rehabilitation and integration processes.
- Challenges of designing rehabilitation programs in different environments.
- Practical applications and interactive discussion sessions to assess cognitive impact.
Academic and field experience
The program was overseen by a select group of experts and specialists in psychology, sociology, and countering extremism, including Dr. Nasser Al-Arifi, an expert in clinical and criminal psychology; Dr. Abdulrahman Asiri, a specialist in issues of intellectual extremism; Dr. Mansour bin Saeed Al-Qarni, Director of the Intellectual Department at the Alliance; and Dr. Yahya Abu Mughayth, the program's academic supervisor. These experts contributed by sharing practical and theoretical experiences with the participants to ensure the application of global best practices.
Regional and international importance of the event
The holding of this program in Kenya is of particular importance given its strategic location in East Africa, a region facing ongoing security challenges that require close international cooperation. Rehabilitation and reintegration programs are a cornerstone of modern counterterrorism strategies, aiming to prevent recidivism and transform former extremists into productive and positive members of their communities, thereby strengthening regional and international peace and security.
The work concluded with the presentation of certificates to the trainees, with an emphasis on the need to sustain the exchange of experiences and activate the skills acquired in the national environments of the member states, to ensure the building of strong bulwarks against destructive ideas.
