Topic:
Country: Gabon
Delegate Name: Mahbuba Mohammed
UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice
Radicalization & Violent Extremism in Prisons
Gabon
Mahbuba Mohammed
Forest Hills Northern High School
Radicalization and violent extremism in Gabonese prisons pose a significant threat to national security and stability. The Gabonese government must take urgent action to address the problem by improving prison conditions, developing effective rehabilitation and reintegration programs, strengthening intelligence and security measures, collaborating with civil society organizations, and improving community policing. These measures will go a long way in preventing the spread of extremist ideologies in Gabonese prisons and communities.
There are over 2.2 million people living in Gabon, with about 10% of them being Muslims. Political unrest, corruption, and economic hardships have plagued Gabon, fueling anger among some sections of the populace. The rise of violent extremism in the nation is a result of these issues as well as the dissemination of radical Islamist doctrine. There have been instances of attacks carried out by people connected to extremist groups in recent years.
Inmates in Gabonese prisons live in subpar conditions that fall short of international norms due to overcrowding. Prisons lack the essential manpower and resources to provide inmates with the help they need to resist radicalization and violent extremism. Some radicalized prisoners have enlisted others to support their cause, which has increased the number of violent occurrences in jails.There have been allegations of extremist-affiliated prisoners getting out of jail and continuing to commit violent crimes. In order to stop the development of extremist ideology in prisons, strong rehabilitation and reintegration programs are essential.
Security and peace in Gabonese prisons are seriously threatened by radicalization and violent extremism. By enhancing jail conditions, creating efficient rehabilitation and reintegration programs, boosting intelligence and security measures, working with civil society organizations, and enhancing community policing, the Gabonese government must act quickly to address the issue. These actions will significantly slow the propagation of extremist ideology in Gabonese jails and neighborhoods.
