Mining companies typically arrive in conflict areas as foreign entities or ‘outsiders’, often with attachments to political elites or government, and at all times with the potential to influence the socioeconomic, political, and cultural landscapes.
INSIGHT
The majority of counterterrorism efforts have been security and intelligence led, with an emphasis on military and kinetic strategies to ‘defeat’ terrorism. Over the past decade in particular, global efforts have also focused on strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), particularly on the role of international institutions, governments, regional organisations, and communities. While several international frameworks for counterterrorism have recognised the important role of the private sector in prevention measures, there has been a lack of research and analysis exploring the mechanisms for private sector involvement.
ACTION
Square Circle conducted a case study on the role of the private sector in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) in Africa, focusing on the mining sector. The project involved meetings and field interviews with mining company officials, security consultants, academics, NGOs, government officials, and other stakeholders across Burkina Faso, Ghana, Kenya, and Mali, conducted between June and July 2017. Additional consultations took place with Australian Government officials in Canberra, mining companies throughout the project, and at the Africa Down Under 2017 and Hedayah International CVE Conference 2017. The research findings informed the production of a final project report to support P/CVE efforts and strengthen development outcomes.
IMPACT
The research has supported efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism and encourage better development outcomes.
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