MAIDUGURI – The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), in partnership with the African Union (AU) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), is set to host the 5th Edition of the Governors’ Forum of the Lake Chad Basin.
The event aims to strengthen regional cooperation in addressing the security, humanitarian, and developmental challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin, particularly the areas impacted by Boko Haram insurgency and socio-economic issues.
The forum, scheduled to take place under the theme, “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Engaging for Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security, and Sustainable Development of a Resilient Community,” will serve as a platform for dialogue among key stakeholders. The meeting seeks to consolidate progress achieved through various stabilization and recovery efforts in the region.
Key objectives of the forum include advancing the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience (RS-SRR), which has driven remarkable progress since its launch in 2018. These include the reconstruction of vital infrastructure, restoration of social order, and the return of displaced populations.
The forum will also deepen understanding of the security and humanitarian landscape while prioritizing demobilization and reintegration efforts. Additionally, it aims to promote cross-border trade and socio-economic recovery across the affected eight territories.
In a statement, the LCBC highlighted the forum’s intention to explore the impact of drug trafficking and substance abuse on violent extremism and strengthen the involvement of civil society, particularly women and youth-led organizations, in fostering peace and resilience. Addressing food insecurity exacerbated by climate change and finding solutions for internally displaced persons and refugees will also be central to the discussions.
The event will commence with a two-day pre-forum session, bringing together civil society organizations, traditional leaders, technical experts, and other stakeholders to lay the groundwork for the main forum.
Participants will include government representatives from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, alongside regional economic communities, international and national NGOs, UN agencies, traditional leaders, and donor organizations.
The LCBC expressed optimism that the forum will reinforce regional cooperation and provide a roadmap for achieving long-term stability, peace, and development across the Lake Chad Basin.
This year’s forum is seen as a critical opportunity to solidify collective efforts in addressing the complex challenges affecting the region and building a resilient future for its communities.
