CISLAC Lauds Emergence Of Buni As Chairman Lake Chad Govs Forum

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has applauded the successful hosting of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri and commended the emergence of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the new Chairman of the Forum.

In a statement signed by Executive Director of CISLAC, Auwal
Musa-Rafsanjani, the organization emphasized that the milestone underscores the collective commitment of regional leaders to address the multi-faceted challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin, particularly security, climate change, economic development, and humanitarian crises.

According to the statement, “We recognize and appreciate the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) for their unwavering support of this initiative and their broader commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development across Africa,” CISLAC stated. “Their role in strengthening regional governance, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and facilitating conflict resolution is critical in addressing the deep-rooted crises affecting communities in the Lake Chad Basin.”

CISLAC further observed that, “The persistence of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency continues to threaten millions of lives across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. While military efforts have played a crucial role, sustainable peace will only be achieved through stronger regional coordination, intelligence-sharing, and investment in community-led stabilization programs. The Forum must continue to push for better governance, socio-economic opportunities, and rehabilitation programs to counter extremist recruitment and reintegrate former combatants.”

Addressing the impact of climate change, CISLAC highlighted that, “The shrinking of Lake Chad, which has lost 90% of its original size since the 1960s, has led to water scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity, exacerbating conflicts in the region. Therefore urgent climate adaptation policies, sustainable water management, and increased investment in climate resilience programs to protect the livelihoods of communities that depend on the lake area is paramount.”

“For the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to achieve its full potential, CISLAC emphasizes the need for stronger governance, sustainable funding mechanisms, and reinforced international support. The organization further advocates for increased financial commitment from national governments, development partners, and regional bodies to implement peacebuilding and development projects.”

The statement solicits for stronger political will to implement cross-border security agreements and ensure the free movement of people and goods within the region. The removal of trade barriers is also necessary to boost regional free trade, enhance economic integration, and create sustainable jobs, reducing youth vulnerability to radicalization.”

The statement quotes that “CISLAC urges all stakeholders governments, regional organizations, civil society, and international partners to support the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum as a vital platform for regional peace, stability, and economic transformation, for renewed commitment, greater accountability, and inclusive governance to ensure that no community in the Lake Chad region is left behind.”

PR Florence Adewale