Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State and Chairman, Lake Chad Governors Forum
By Miriam Humbe
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has congratulated 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 Auwal Ibrahim Musa Rafsanjani, Executive Director of CISLAC, the organization emphasized that the milestone underscores the collective commitment of regional leaders to addressing the multi-faceted challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin, particularly security, climate change, economic development, and humanitarian crises.
“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.”
At a time when tensions among ECOWAS member states pose a significant threat to regional stability, CISLAC urges all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation over conflict.
“A divided region weakens the collective ability to confront common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and economic hardship.
“The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum should serve as a model for regional cooperation, where shared interests outweigh individual political differences,” the organization noted.
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.
“CISLAC calls for 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.
“The international community must do more to support the region in adapting to the devastating impact of climate change.”
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 commitments from national governments, development partners, and regional bodies to implement peacebuilding and development projects.”
Additionally, CISLAC calls 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.”
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.
“Now is the time for renewed commitment, greater accountability, and inclusive governance to ensure that no community in the Lake Chad region is left behind,” the organization concluded.
