Marginalization of Ethnic Communities and the Rise in Radicalization

Abel Bennett Holla

doi:10.22178/pos.60-7

Abstract

Renewed marginalization, coupled with ethnic nationalism, could severely hamper peace, stability, governance, and the delivery of essential service to the people. Therefore, disharmony resulting from marginalization and regional discontent is no more dismissible issues. Muslim communities in Africa, South Asia, and some parts of the Middle East are considered to be highly underprivileged in terms of representation, economic prospects, and education. This exclusion has made young Muslims particularly vulnerable to recruitment by terrorist insurgents who appear to sympathize with their plight. The terrorists usually offer them possible alternatives to earn income and to express their grievances. Since the stability of any society largely depends on political, security, and economic freedom, communities that do not attain it, are likely to be vulnerable to recruitment by insurgent groups that meet their needs. This study examined how Somali Muslims' perceptions of marginalization influenced their radicalization in Kenya. A total of 400 respondents were sampled from a target population of 623,060. Sixty respondents were Muslim religious leaders in Garissa county, 40 respondents were law enforcement personnel working in Garissa County, 100 respondents were government officials in administrative offices within the County, and 200 respondents were local Somali youths aged between 17–35 years. Data was collected from the respondents through the administration of the questionnaires in hard copy form. The split-half method was employed to guarantee reliability of the survey, while validity was addressed by phrasing all survey and FGD questions appropriately in line with the research objectives. The collected data was then examined using quantitative and qualitative analysis methods. The quantitative analysis focused on numerical data, while qualitative analysis was used to analyze non-numerical information provided by respondents. In analyzing Somali Muslim views on marginalization and its effect on radicalization, this study employed correlation research design and Samuel Stouffer's relative deprivation theory of social behaviour. The findings of this study indicate that the perceptions of marginalization by Somali Muslims are related to an upsurge in radicalization.

Highlights

The problem of radicalization of Muslims in many developing countries and some parts of western nations by global terrorist groups is a significant concern
Since this study was meant to examine how marginalization of Somali Muslim communities in Kenya contributes to their radicalization, the approach was suitable as it would enable an in-depth inquiry about the situation from the concerned people
The return rate of questionnaires used in the study was 100%, which was considered adequate to provide the information on marginalization and the rise in radicalization in Garissa County

Summary

Introduction

The problem of radicalization of Muslims in many developing countries and some parts of western nations by global terrorist groups is a significant concern. Marginalized Somali Muslims in Kenya are joining terrorist insurgency networks such as the Al-Shabaab and the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) [1]. This trend is not an isolated phenomenon. [2] found that young Muslims’ marginalization and social inequality increased their radicalization and their tendency to join extremist groups. The report found that marginalization increased feelings of frustration and apathy. These feelings catalyzed the radicalization of Muslim youths

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion