The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum discussed the ongoing security challenges posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP, environmental degradation due to climate change, and humanitarian crises affecting Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria. Despite military efforts yielding some successes, logistical challenges remain significant. The forum called for enhanced regional cooperation and sustainable funding to support reintegration and community resilience initiatives amidst rising insecurity and donor funding cuts.
The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum convened in Maiduguri, Nigeria, from January 27 to 31, focusing on the ongoing security threats and humanitarian crises affecting the region. Despite military efforts against Boko Haram and ISWAP, instability persists due to logistical challenges and the limited presence of government forces. The forum brought together eight governors from Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Nigeria, along with leaders and civil society representatives, to discuss strategies for achieving lasting stability.
Participants highlighted the critical security issues caused by violent extremist groups and emphasized the intensified humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by climate change. The shrinkage of Lake Chad, a crucial ecosystem, poses significant risks to agriculture and local economies, worsening socio-economic vulnerabilities. The forum underscored the urgent need for comprehensive transborder security measures to protect vulnerable communities.
The communiqué acknowledged the progress made under the Regional Strategy for Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience (RS SRR) while cautioning against the suspension of donor support for Niger’s stabilisation efforts. Financial constraints could hinder reintegration and resilience programs, crucial for countering violent extremism. Additionally, the rise in illicit arms and drug trafficking, coupled with limited economic opportunities, continues to fuel conflict in the basin.
Climate change effects, such as drought and desertification, were identified as significant obstacles, worsening economic conditions and pushing individuals towards violent groups for survival. The forum called for environmental protection and climate-adaptive strategies to rehabilitate Lake Chad, which supports millions. Strengthened partnerships with local governance and community organizations were also recommended to bridge security gaps and promote reconciliation.
Despite the challenges presented, the forum reaffirmed its commitment to fostering regional cooperation, improving security measures, and mobilizing sustainable funding. New policies on transitional justice and community reintegration aim to enhance social cohesion and improve the reintegration of former combatants. Niger is set to host the next forum, highlighting the need for coordinated action against insecurity and development hurdles in the Lake Chad Basin.
The Lake Chad Basin is a complex region characterized by deep-rooted issues of security, humanitarian crises, and environmental degradation. It is home to communities affected by the violent actions of Boko Haram and ISWAP, which destabilize not only the security landscape but also the socio-economic fabric. Efforts to stabilize the area involve a multi-faceted approach encompassing military actions, humanitarian relief, and environmentally sustainable practices to combat the adverse effects of climate change, particularly the shrinking of Lake Chad itself. The 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum serves as a platform for leaders to collaborate on strategies that address these intertwined challenges, aiming to identify both progress and ongoing obstacles in their recovery and security initiatives.
The forum emphasized the critical need for improved coordination among countries in the Lake Chad Basin to address persistent security threats and humanitarian crises. While acknowledging progress in stabilization strategies, concerns over funding gaps pose significant risks to ongoing peace-building efforts. The establishment of new policies targeting reintegration and transitional justice highlights the commitment to fostering social cohesion. Continued collaboration and investment in local governance and economic opportunities are crucial for achieving long-term stability in the region.
Original Source: humanglemedia.com
