Many African leaders used their speeches at the U.N. General Assembly this week to express concerns about the growing threat of violent extremism in Africa. State violence and abuse of power serve as a "final tipping point" for the people to join extremist groups. Religion not a reasonThe U.N. study found that religion played a less significant role in attracting people to extremist groups. "These findings challenge rising Islamophobic rhetoric that has intensified in response to violent extremism globally," the report said. "Fostering greater understanding of religion, through methods that enable students to question and engage critically with teachings, is a key resource for [preventing violent extremism]."

Source: The North Africa Journal September 22, 2017 01:41 UTC