There is vast economics and political science literature on conflict and civil wars. Mostly it focuses on the determinants of the outbreak and duration of conflicts, and distinguishes between (lack of) economic opportunity and grievance motivations. The generalized consensus is that economic variables are highly correlated with (and even affect) the outbreak of conflict (e.g. Blattmann & Miguel, 2010). The literature on the determinants of terrorism is not as clear, and the evidence on the motivations to support terrorism is mixed.

In this project, we look at the recent violent attacks in northern Mozambique, conducted by groups advocating religious extremism. In May 2017, a group was arrested for “inciting the population not to consider the existence of the Government, to disrespect the authorities, non-adherence to schools, etc.”(Club of Mozambique News). Last October, “a group of about 30 men attacked three police stations in the coastal district of Mocimboa da Praia, Cabo Delgado province, in an armed raid” (All Africa News).

We propose to evaluate two interventions targeting mosque attendees in northern Mozambique. The first intervention focuses on discussing the Sharia law and Muslim faith in a secular state. The second intervention is a workshop about job searching and job opportunities. Both interventions are implemented in collaboration with the national Muslim organization, CISLAMO.

More information about the fieldwork here.

Principal Investigators:

Pedro C. Vicente (Nova SBE)

Inês Vilela (Nova SBE)

Field Coordination:

Imamo Mussa

Lucio Raul

Funding:

International Growth Center

Partnership:

CISLAMO

This content was originally published in Novafrica.org