Nigeria, Mali, Somalia listed 'epicenters' of terrorism

By Rafiu Ajakaye

LAGOS, Nigeria (AA) - Nigeria, Mali and Somalia were Tuesday listed as “epicenters” of violent extremism in Africa by the UN Development Program (UNDP), the organization said.

Mandisa Mashologu, the deputy director for the UNDP in Nigeria, said the Boko Haram terror campaign in Nigeria had affected at least 14.8 million people, including at least seven million in need of dire humanitarian assistance.

Speaking at a conference for community and religious leaders from across Africa in capital Abuja, Mashologu said violent extremism could only be tackled fully through a long-term economic approach targeting individuals, communities and the structural dynamics of extremism.

“We see the role of traditional and religious leaders as crucial in complementing other efforts in a multifaceted approach,” she said.