Preventing violent extremism (PVE) is an issue that has been addressed nationally, regionally and globally since the turn of the millennium. PVE is generally pursued through coercive hard power such as military-dominated peace support operations and surveillance to name a few. Although these methods have proven effective to a certain extent, they come at a high cost both financially and in human lives, while still failing to completely eradicate violent extremism.

Objectives

The objective of the trans-continental dialogue programme on PVE through the soft power of religion is to create a transcontinental platform that will bring together stakeholders from Africa and Europe to deliberate on these issues and produce contemporary recommendations and activities on how to prevent violent extremism. The dialogue further aims to:

• Strengthen inter- & intra-religious efforts and strategies in preventing violent extremism and promoting conflict prevention, peace building, reconciliation and conflict transformation;
• Facilitate inter-religious dialogue as a tool to influence policy and advocacy in Africa and Europe;
• Establish a platform for partnership between African and European stakeholders, particularly faith-based and interfaith organizations to work together in addressing common issues such as promoting a culture of peace and building trust, peace and common values.

Long-term objectives

• Promote values of tolerance, mutual respect and better understanding centered around intra- and inter-faith, inter-religious and inter-cultural values that are the core principles for integration and peace.
• Achieve behavioural change of communities and individuals, redefining contemporary human values for tolerance and integration.
• Reach out, educate and de-radicalize target groups (particular focus on youth) and train respective stakeholders.