Community Role and Engagement in Averting Al Shabaab’s Threat in Ethiopia: The Case of Addis Ababa
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Date
2023-06
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Addis Ababa Unversity
Abstract
This thesis explores and analyzes the nexus between community role and engagement in averting
al Shabaab’s threat in Ethiopia – Addis Ababa. To acquire the relevant data for the study, the
researcher employed qualitative research approach. Pertinent data was collected using key
informant interviews, focus group discussion, and document review. Using purposive and
snowball sampling techniques, interview was made with ten key informants and one focus group
discussion, which include seven participants, was also conducted. The sampling techniques were
used to choose fitting people who knew of the issue, were well - versed in the subject and felt
connected to it the researcher was looking for. The data gathered from the aforementioned
sources was triangulated by conducting appropriate document analysis in order to increase the
study's credibility. Accordingly, the study argues that Ethiopia’s success in averting al
Shabaab’s terrorism threat in Addis Ababa is related with its community – led counter –
terrorism approach, which embraces the public as the owner of the fight rather than just a
participant in the combat against the security threat posed by the terrorist group. The main
factors for successfully averting al Shabaab's security threat in Ethiopia - Addis Ababa are;
public education and awareness regarding terrorism threats mainly at residential block
levels/grassroots/, community engagement in reporting suspicious activities and amicable public
- government engagement on terrorism - related matters. It further argues that the safety and
security of Addis Ababa residents cannot be protected by merely engaging Addis Ababa
residents; rather, engaging the public from the border to the heart of the country and
strengthening partnership with relevant regional and international partners is required. The
study concludes that the approach is essential for the residents and local officials of Addis
Ababa to peacefully carry out their daily activities. Based on the results of the findings it is
recommended that the government should prioritize empowering the public to own the fight
against the terrorist group.
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Keywords
al Shabaab, Community engagement, Counter – terrorism, Ethiopia