Violent extremists are committing atrocities against the civilian population while destabilising the country in which they operate.
Driving
Defections
INSIGHT
OBJECTIVE
Up to 20% of the fighters within the violent extremist organisation (VEO) targeted by this activity are disenfranchised with the organisation and want to leave, but are afraid to do so for fear of repercussions from their government and / or their communities.
Increase the amount of defections from the VEO by highlighting safe routes out of the organisation.
INSIGHT
Up to 20% of the fighters within the violent extremist organisation (VEO) targeted by this activity are disenfranchised with the organisation and want to leave, but are afraid to do so for fear of repercussions from their government and / or their communities.
OBJECTIVE
Increase the amount of defections from the VEO by highlighting safe routes out of the organisation.
APPROACH
We developed a relationship with a highly experienced local partner with connections amongst local communities, community elders and government officials. Through these connections we were able to deliver a highly targeted messaging campaign that encouraged disenfranchised fighters to defect from the VEO. The defectors were then safely sheltered in a secure location where they received vocational training while their return home was negotiated.
RESULTS
Over 300 fighters safely defected from the VEO, some of which are still receiving training; others have returned to their communities and now protect others from VEO narratives by providing credible counter messaging based on their first-hand experiences.
APPROACH
RESULTS
We developed a relationships with local communities, community elders and government officials. Through these connections we were able to deliver a highly targeted messaging campaign that encouraged disenfranchised fighters to defect from the VEO. The defectors were then safely sheltered in a secure location where they received vocational training while their return home was negotiated.
Over 300 fighters safely defected from the VEO, some of which are still receiving training; others have returned to their communities and now protect others from VEO narratives by providing credible counter messaging based on their first-hand experiences.