Addressing Terrorism and Extremism Through Islamic Education
President of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, has made a strong commitment to supporting the modernization of the Quranic educational system as part of a broader strategy to combat terrorism, violent extremism, and poverty linked to the Almajiri system.
Touray emphasized that terrorism and violent extremism pose significant threats to the peace and development of the sub-region. He called on Islamic scholars to play an active role in preventing extremism and addressing the challenges faced by the region. His remarks were delivered during the closing ceremony of the first West African Islamic Conference on Security and Governance, organized by the ECOWAS Commission in collaboration with Jam’iyyatu Ansariddeen Attijaniyya in Abuja. The conference took place from Tuesday, 4th to Thursday, 6th November 2025, under the theme: “The Role of Islamic Organizations in Countering Terrorism and Violent Extremism in West Africa and the Sahel.”
This high-profile event brought together a wide range of participants, including Islamic organizations, government representatives, traditional and religious leaders, scholars, policymakers, youth, and regional partners. The goal was to develop actionable strategies to counter terrorism, violent extremism, and governance challenges across West Africa and the Sahel.
The Importance of Traditional Quranic Schools
Touray highlighted the condition of traditional Qur’anic schools, known as Tsangaya, Makaranta, or Daara across the region, and their crucial role in preventing radicalization. He noted that these institutions accommodate millions of young people in the region but are often neglected, leaving both teachers and students vulnerable to recruitment by criminal organizations, including terrorist groups.
“We must modernize and reform these schools to become centers of learning and economic empowerment,” he said. In a region with a youthful population, it is essential to pay attention to the situation of these youths and support them in channeling their energies for positive activities.
Touray commended President Bola Tinubu for establishing the National Commission for Alimajiri and Arab School Children Education to support the provision of quality religious and non-religious education. He also recognized Ghana and Senegal for their efforts in addressing similar issues through various policies aimed at better supervision and calibration of children, eradicating forced begging, and supporting the establishment of necessary educational structures.
Collaborative Efforts for Change
In addition to government initiatives, there are ongoing efforts led by foundations and non-governmental organizations. Touray assured that ECOWAS, in partnership with the United Nations and other stakeholders, will work to implement joint projects for the modernization of traditional Quranic schools. Protecting these institutions, their students, and teachers will help address phenomena such as street begging, child abuse, and the vulnerability of Quranic school goers to radicalization and recruitment by extremist and terrorist groups.
He urged all parties to spare no effort in securing West Africa and the Sahel from insecurity and reversing negative indices to achieve a stable, peaceful, united, and prosperous Africa. Over the last decade, terrorism and violence have had a massive impact on the socio-economic well-being of the region’s people. West Africa and the Sahel have become the front line of the global fight against terrorism.
According to the 2025 Global Terrorism Index report, there has been a significant shift in global terrorism, with Africa emerging as the new hub of terrorist activities. The Sahel region, in particular, has witnessed a dramatic increase in terrorist operations. For ECOWAS, the emphasis has been on the application of both non-kinetic and kinetic strategies to tackle the menace. The regional action plan against terrorism outlines a series of initiatives, providing rules for multiple access from both states and non-state institutions.
Emir of Kano’s Call for Unity and Action
Emir of Kano, Mohammadu Sanusi II, advocated for continuous efforts to address the pressing challenges of terrorism, violent extremism, and governance in West Africa and the Sahel. He pointed out that over 40 million children in the region are out of school, and terrorism-related deaths have increased by 250% in the past decade.
“Over the past three days, we have engaged in robust discussions, shared best practices, and crafted strategic recommendations to promote peace, security, and stability in our region,” he said. Sanusi emphasized the central role of Islamic organizations in preventing violent extremism and promoting peace, as highlighted in the Qur’an. He encouraged cooperation in righteousness while avoiding sin and aggression.
He also acknowledged the need for a coordinated cross-border approach to address the complex intersection of traditional Islamic education, youth vulnerability, and regional insecurity. As the conference adopted the Regional Declaration on Improving Islamic Education and Countering Violent Extremism, Sanusi urged all stakeholders to remain committed to the cause.
Strengthening Governance and Collaboration
The conference underscored the urgent need to strengthen governance, protect vulnerable children in traditional Islamic education systems, and foster collaboration between state and non-state actors in promoting peace, social cohesion, and regional stability.
Through collective efforts, the region can work towards a future where education, security, and social development go hand in hand, ensuring a safer and more prosperous West Africa.