Regional Representatives Stand Against Insecurity.
The maiden meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governor’s Forum for Regional Cooperation on Stabilization, Peace Building and Sustainable Development in the region affected by Boko Haram that took place in Maiduguri, Borno State, in the Federal Republic of Nigeria on the 8-9 May 2018 and attended by governors from Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria that is mostly affected by the insurgences of Boko Haram would have brought to the end of the activities and consequences of the Islamic sect that has given the countries concern sleepless nights. For over ten years, Boko Haram has caused untold devastation on the population around the Lake Chad Basin. Due to their violence, men, women and children are seriously touched by their violence and persistent attacks.
The governors during the maiden edition were made to understand that, they have the interest to be implicated serious in the regions. To handle the issue of insecurity around the Lake Chad Basin, to build peace and stabilizing the region, a holistic and collective approach was recommended.
The Forum that brought governors together for a regional cooperation was meant to brainstorm on ways to put an end to the headache orchestrated by Boko Haram. The Governors highlighted on the necessity of a community based approach to ensure sustainable solutions to the Boko Haram crisis as well as the wonderful roles played by the traditional rulers, religious authorities, women and youth in the stabilization process should not be neglected. To archive this, they thought it wise to meet frequently and consult through conclaves in order to maintain stability and peace around the Lake Chad Basin.
The maiden edition of the forum was to promote continuous dialogue and the sharing of information, best practices, lessons learnt and strengthen coordination and collaboration on cross border initiatives at the sub national level around the Lake Chad Basin. The forum according to the governors would be used continuously as a platform to foster regional cooperation on stabilization, peace building and sustainable development for the region, that a dedicated team under the leadership of UNDP, would be set up to support the forum and the work of the Forum feeds into and supports the regional stabilization strategy being developed.
By Takang Bisong
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