Sweden grapples with escalating gang wars, rising involvement of youth

Stockholm: Sweden is facing a deeply concerning surge in gang-related violence, an issue that has reached unprecedented levels, drawing attention from the country's highest political leaders.

Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson emphasised the severity of the situation, vowing to confront and defeat these criminal gangs.

The country's tranquillity was disrupted when gunshots echoed through an Uppsala apartment building in September, signalling yet another violent episode in Sweden's gang wars. These conflicts, revolving around drug market control, have simmered for over a decade but took a drastic turn earlier this year. Internal feuds among gang members escalated, resulting in attacks not just on gang members but also on their families and associates, reported AFP.

The shooting in Uppsala targeted the mother-in-law of Rawa Majid, the leader of the notorious Foxtrot gang. However, she narrowly escaped harm, leaving neighbours like Thomas Cervin perturbed by the proximity of violence in their communities. The involvement of individuals connected to the gangs has heightened fears among the populace.

The shift in gang dynamics, marked by increased ruthlessness, has worried community members, prompting efforts to engage young individuals through activities like sports to steer them away from criminal influences. However, the pervasive fear among parents, restricting their children's movements outside school or organised activities, highlights the grim reality faced by many.

The escalating violence, involving execution-style shootings and bombings, has led to an alarming rise in casualties, predominantly affecting the younger demographic. Shockingly, children as young as 15 have been involved in the possession of illegal firearms, and criminal gangs are reported to be recruiting minors for contract killings, exploiting their immunity from incarceration.

The upsurge in gang-related incidents has led to debates about the root causes, with opinions diverging on the role of immigration policies, integration challenges, and societal segregation. While political leaders attribute the surge to immigration policies and integration shortcomings, experts point towards societal exclusion and segregation as contributing factors.

Sakariya Hirsi, who founded the Kollektiv Sorg group to aid families affected by these tragedies, echoed concerns about the segregation and conditions immigrant communities face, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to address the complex issues.