At the recent 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, regional leaders emphasized the urgent need for increased financial support.
They hope this backing will effectively implement the Regional Stabilisation Strategy (RSS) across the region.
Chad’s Governor Ildjima Abdraman, the Forum’s current chair, therefore called for immediate action during the meeting held in Maiduguri.
In particular, she highlighted that the region faces a complex array of challenges, especially security threats and governance issues that demand urgent attention.
Abdraman outlined pressing problems affecting the area, emphasizing interconnected crises like environmental degradation, political instability, and terrorism.
She noted these issues are closely linked, making a unified effort crucial for achieving true resolution and sustainable peace.
“The Lake Chad Basin faces significant difficulties,” she stated, drawing attention to the persistent challenges in the region.
“We’re dealing with multiple crises like environmental degradation and political tensions,” she added, reflecting the gravity of the situation.
She also pointed out that climate change severely impacts water resources, which has diminished agricultural productivity.
This trend has increased competition for limited resources, posing a significant threat to local livelihoods and community stability.
“In light of these pressing challenges, we must create a regional stabilisation strategy,” Abdraman urged.
This strategy is essential for strengthening the social contract with local populations and ensuring their needs are effectively met.
Moreover, she stressed empowering women and youth to enhance social inclusion and economic autonomy.
This empowerment is key to achieving long-term stability and growth within the region, fostering resilience against ongoing challenges.
The Forum gathered governors from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, along with international partners, to seek cooperative solutions.
They aimed to implement the Regional Stabilisation Strategy (RSS) effectively to address these pressing issues collectively.
Abdraman insisted that for their plans to succeed, mobilizing substantial financial resources is crucial.
“We’re calling for more financial support to implement the RSS effectively,” she stated, highlighting the importance of collaboration among all parties involved.
This support aims to tackle insecurity and improve governance.
She urged all stakeholders to work closely together for sustainable peace and development, emphasizing that no single entity can resolve these complex challenges alone.
“Moreover, Abdraman recognized the crucial role of the Lake Chad Basin Commission in overseeing these initiatives,” she noted.
She urged the Commission to enhance efforts in fostering social integration and promoting regional peace effectively.
“Strategic and political cooperation are vital,” she emphasized.
This cooperation will enhance connectivity and boost productivity, enabling the region to address its challenges more effectively and efficiently.
Abdraman called for greater unity among all partners to improve the region and enhance the lives of its people.
“Long live sub-regional cooperation!” she exclaimed, reinforcing the need for collaborative efforts in overcoming these challenges.
In her speech, Ms. Anka Feldhusen from Germany reaffirmed her country’s commitment to supporting stabilization and recovery in the Lake Chad Basin.
She highlighted the importance of the Forum at this critical moment for regional engagement and collaboration.
“This Forum presents a crucial opportunity for our collective stabilization efforts,” Feldhusen said.
Her acknowledgment of past successes underscores the importance of ongoing collaboration to achieve meaningful results.
Feldhusen recognized the impressive strides made so far but emphasized that significant challenges persist for everyone involved.
Instability, poverty, and climate change continue to threaten the region’s development and peace, necessitating urgent action.
“To truly succeed, we must strengthen coordination among governments, international organizations, and local communities,” she stated.
This collaboration is essential for developing sustainable solutions moving forward and ensuring lasting impact.
Feldhusen also stressed the need for shared ownership of strategies among stakeholders.
She encouraged support for initiatives like the Special Policy Development Library Fund and the Nexus Funding Facility launched today.
She expressed appreciation for the International Support Group’s ongoing commitment and reiterated Germany’s determination to contribute to building a stable, prosperous future for the Lake Chad Basin.