By Faridat Salifu
Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum (LCBGF), has expressed the imperative for increased financial backing and enhanced collaboration to address the complex challenges facing the region.
The eight governors of the states troubled by terror in the four Lake Chad Basin countries – Chad, Nigeria, Niger and Cameroon, are currently meeting in Maiduguri, Borno State, under the auspices of the 5th edition of the Lake Chad Governors Forum, convened by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and hosted by Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State.
They are meeting to chart a collective path toward stabilization.
Governor Ildjima Abdraman of Hadjer Lamis Region, Chad, who currently chairs the forum, highlighted the interconnected crises plaguing the Lake Chad Basin, which include environmental degradation, political instability, and the persistent threat of transnational terrorism.
She stressed the dire impact of climate change, which has led to a significant reduction in water resources, affecting agriculture, livelihoods, and heightening competition for limited resources.
“The Lake Chad Basin is one of the most challenging regions in Africa, grappling with multiple crises that hinder development and threaten stability. The degradation of our environment, political tensions, and escalating violence demand a unified and robust response,” Governor Abdraman said.
To tackle these issues, Abdraman underscored the importance of a comprehensive Regional Stabilisation Strategy (RSS) that not only addresses security concerns but also focuses on rebuilding affected communities.
She called for greater financial support to effectively implement the strategy and promote social inclusion, particularly for women and youth, whose empowerment is seen as crucial to long-term stability.
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“We need to strengthen the social contract with our populations. Empowering women and youth is essential for promoting social inclusion and economic autonomy, which will be key to the region’s recovery,” Abdraman added.
The forum, which saw the participation of key international figures such as Anka Feldhusen, Director for Crisis Prevention and Stabilisation at the German Federal Foreign Office, also focused on strengthening regional partnerships.
Feldhusen reaffirmed Germany’s commitment to supporting the Lake Chad Basin’s recovery efforts, noting that significant progress had been made, including the return of displaced people and the rebuilding of livelihoods.
“While we’ve seen positive outcomes, such as the return of displaced persons, the region still faces immense challenges. Instability, poverty, and the ongoing impact of climate change continue to undermine recovery efforts,” Feldhusen said.
“To overcome these, we must ensure even greater coordination among governments, international organizations, and local communities,” she added.
Feldhusen called for stronger collaboration and the launch of the Special Policy Development Library Fund and the Nexus Funding Facility, initiatives aimed at securing the resources necessary to implement the RSS and promote long-term stability.
She also praised the role of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in overseeing the region’s efforts and called for a renewed focus on social integration and regional peace.
In her closing remarks, the governor emphasized the importance of political unity and strategic cooperation among all stakeholders to build a prosperous future for the Lake Chad Basin. “For the future of our region and our people, we must work together to foster peace, stability, and sustainable development,” she said.
As the forum concluded, leaders pledged to intensify efforts to overcome the challenges faced by the Lake Chad Basin and continue to mobilize resources for the effective implementation of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy.
