• Thu. Feb 13th, 2025

CISLAC Urges Stronger Regional Collaboration At Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum

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

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), CISLAC emphasized that the forum’s milestone reflects the commitment of regional leaders to addressing security challenges, climate change, economic development, and humanitarian crises affecting the Lake Chad Basin. The organization also recognized the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) in fostering peace and stability across the region.

At a time when tensions among ECOWAS member states threaten regional stability, CISLAC urged all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy and cooperation over conflict. The organization stressed that a divided region weakens the collective ability to combat terrorism, economic hardship, and environmental challenges.

Highlighting the continued threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies, CISLAC called for stronger regional coordination, intelligence-sharing, and investment in community-led stabilization programs. It also advocated for better governance, socio-economic opportunities, and rehabilitation initiatives to counter extremist recruitment and reintegrate former combatants.

Regarding climate change, CISLAC noted that Lake Chad has shrunk by 90% since the 1960s, leading to water scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity. The organization called for urgent climate adaptation policies, sustainable water management, and increased investment in climate resilience programs to protect affected communities.

To ensure the forum’s success, CISLAC stressed the need for stronger governance, sustainable funding mechanisms, and reinforced international support. It also urged national governments, development partners, and regional bodies to increase financial commitments for peacebuilding and development projects.

Additionally, CISLAC called for the implementation of cross-border security agreements, the removal of trade barriers, and enhanced regional economic integration to create jobs and reduce youth vulnerability to radicalization.

The organization concluded by urging all stakeholders—including governments, regional bodies, civil society, and international partners—to support the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum as a vital platform for regional peace and economic transformation.

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor

Hyacinth Beluchukwu Nwafor is a seasoned journalist and the CEO/Founder Belch Digital Communications, publishers of Hybrid News Nigeria.

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