Mathias Vanden Borre on the OCAD Annual Report: “Radicalisation remains a major concern”

Following the publication of the 2024 annual report from OCAD (the Coordination Unit for Threat Assessment), Brussels MP Mathias Vanden Borre has once again voiced his deep concern about the persistent threat of extremism and radicalisation in the capital. “The OCAD report speaks for itself. Since the attack on Swedish football fans, we’ve remained at threat level 3, with jihadist extremism still identified as the primary danger. What’s especially alarming is the young age and rapid radicalisation of minors—almost one third of those planning attacks were underage,” Vanden Borre stated.

A striking 35% of individuals registered with OCAD live in the Brussels-Capital Region, and 94% of them are linked to Islamist extremism. “These figures confirm what I’ve said before. We see it on the streets, we hear it on social media. Radicalisation remains a major problem in our capital.”

The role of the Israel-Palestine conflict

The escalating Israel-Palestine conflict also plays a role. “Tensions between communities are rising, and the situation acts as a trigger for polarisation and potentially extremist violence. Politicians should speak in ways that heal and unite, rather than risk importing this conflict into our own society. Unfortunately, we’re seeing the opposite: the conflict is being deliberately used to stir political division in Brussels. This is playing with fire,” Vanden Borre warned.

Alarming recent incidents

He pointed to several recent events, including the dismissal of Molenbeek alderman Mohammed Kalandar and the disturbing performance on 8 May in Saint-Gilles, where masked men with fake weapons enacted violent scenes in public spaces. “When chants like ‘from the river to the sea’ are allowed in our streets, and dangerous organisations like Samidoun are free to operate in the heart of our capital, then we clearly have a problem. These kinds of displays contribute to an environment in which violence and terror are being normalised.”

The first line of defence

Vanden Borre is urging Brussels public officials to take responsibility. “Our public institutions are the first line of defence, but that means we need to actively reinforce the barrier against hatred. Turning a blind eye is not an option.”