Southern Africa is experiencing an upsurge in violent extremism (VE). The DRC, Mozambique and Tanzania have experienced attacks by extremist groups, with events in Cabo Delgado province in Northern Mozambique in particular making international headlines. Among others, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has been called on to support the Mozambican government and has deployed a Standby Force to the area. But while a military intervention may help to limit violent attacks, it cannot bring lasting peace. In this edition of the Southern African Security Review – the fifth in the biennial series – academics from across the region provide an in-depth analysis of VE, and the complex dynamics surrounding preventing and countering VE in African settings.