CISLAC Applauds Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Calls for Stronger Regional Unity
The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has lauded the successful hosting of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Nigeria, commending the appointment 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 highlighted the significance of the event, noting that it reflects the unwavering commitment of regional leaders to tackling critical challenges facing the Lake Chad Basin, including security threats, climate change, economic instability, and humanitarian crises.
“We appreciate the support of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) for their pivotal roles in promoting peace, stability, and development across the region,” the statement read. CISLAC emphasized the importance of these partners in strengthening governance, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and facilitating conflict resolution efforts in the Lake Chad region.
At a time when tensions within ECOWAS member states threaten regional cohesion, CISLAC urged stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy and collaboration over division. “A fragmented region undermines our ability to confront shared challenges like terrorism, climate change, and economic hardship. The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum serves as a model of cooperation where unity prevails over political differences,” CISLAC asserted.
The organization also expressed concern over the persistent threat posed by Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies, which continue to endanger lives across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. While acknowledging the role of military interventions, CISLAC stressed that sustainable peace requires enhanced regional coordination, intelligence-sharing, and investments in community-led stabilization initiatives. “The Forum must champion good governance, socio-economic development, and reintegration programs to counter extremist recruitment and support former combatants,” the statement added.
Addressing environmental challenges, CISLAC highlighted the alarming shrinkage of Lake Chad—now reduced to just 10% of its original size since the 1960s—resulting in water scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity. The organization called for urgent climate adaptation strategies, sustainable water management, and increased funding for climate resilience projects. “The international community must intensify support to help the region mitigate the devastating effects of climate change,” CISLAC urged.
To maximize the Forum’s impact, CISLAC recommended stronger governance frameworks, sustainable funding mechanisms, and enhanced international partnerships. It called on national governments, development agencies, and regional bodies to increase financial commitments toward peacebuilding and development projects.
Furthermore, CISLAC advocated for the removal of trade barriers to boost regional economic integration, facilitate the free movement of people and goods, and create job opportunities, particularly for vulnerable youth susceptible to radicalization. “Political will is crucial to implementing cross-border security agreements and promoting economic growth through regional free trade,” the statement emphasized.
Concluding its remarks, CISLAC called on governments, civil society, and international partners to support the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum as a vital platform for regional peace and development. “This is a pivotal moment for renewed commitment, greater accountability, and inclusive governance to ensure that no community in the Lake Chad region is left behind,” CISLAC stated.
Source: CISLAC
