The Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum: A Beacon of Hope for a challenged Region

1. Background and Context

Over the past fifteen years, the Lake Chad Basin region has been impacted by the Boko Haram conflict. The current crisis is further complicated by other socio-economic factors including extreme poverty, underdevelopment, climate change and other conflicts. The impacts range from massive internal and cross-border displacement, the destruction of the social fabric and property, human rights abuses, disrupted public services, and limited capacities of government institutions. As of August 2024, Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon were hosting an estimated 6 million affected individuals, including refugees, returnees and internally displaced people. Of the affected populations, 13% are located in Cameroon, 9% in Niger, 5% in Chad and 74% in Nigeria.

To respond to the security and conflict challenges, in 2015 the pre-existing Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) was remodelled and re-operationalized to launch a military counter-offensive against Boko Haram. Following the establishment and success of the MNJTF the Lake Chad Basin Commission developed the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram affected areas of the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS SRR) with the support of the African Union and UNDP in 2018^[1]. The RS SRR provides a robust framework for addressing the region’s complex and urgent security, humanitarian, and development challenges. It recognizes the need for a comprehensive, multi-sectoral, coordinated set of sub-national, national, and cross-border efforts to build long-lasting stability and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin Region (LCB region).

The RS SRR builds on inclusivity, local ownership, and a New Way of Working. The RS SRR has been localized through the Territorial Action Plans (TAPs) in each of the eight territories most affected by Boko Haram in the LCB region^[2]. Over the past years,’ the RS SRR has become a locally anchored and multi-partner effort that has led to rebuilding the social contract between the government and communities by providing essential infrastructure and basic services, security, and livelihood opportunities for affected communities. The Regional Strategy has also recorded success in developing and harmonising regional policies, sharing best practices and producing evidence-based research for policy influencing.  

The Governors’ Forum, an integral part of the RS SRR, has served as the most important political platform for cross-border and regional interaction with various stakeholders and interlocutors. Over the years, the Forum has established itself as a platform for stakeholder exchanges and the main platform for political dialogue in the LCB region.

Six years into the implementation of the RS SRR, there have been significant developments in the region. There are several pockets of stabilization within the region as military efforts have been complimented with the rebuilding of communities and restoration of social order. People who have experienced multiple displacement over several years have returned to their homes. Markets are reopening facilitating trade and economic growth. In addition, social infrastructure including schools, clinics and permanent housing have been rehabilitated or reconstructed. Exits from Boko Haram controlled areas has necessitated the acceleration of reconciliation and rehabilitation initiatives in the region. These factors contribute to laying the foundation for social cohesion and sustainable peace.

Alongside this however, the Boko Haram factions have continued to wreak havoc through violence and attaches on communities. The alternating use of crime and terror by these groups, activities of other criminal actors, and the farmer-herder crisis in the region, coupled with increasingly adverse effects of climate change (including environmental degradation) and rapid population growth, further exacerbates the security situation.

1. In light of these developments, the SR SRR has been reviewed and updated to reflect the current situation and priorities of the governments and communities. The Governors’ Forum will provide the best opportunity for all stakeholders, including Governors, state/national governments of the four member states, regional economic communities, local and national CSOs, UN entities, national and international NGOs, national and international research and education institutions, international governments and donor partners, and other financial and technical partners to interrogate and lay options for sustainable peace and development in the region. Objectives

The overall objective of the 5^th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum is to, through the Governors’ offices, facilitate dialogue, coordination, and cross-border cooperation between the eight territories and offer opportunities for multi-stakeholder engagement with the Governors to consolidate gains and advance regional cooperation on key priority areas of the RS SRR.

Specific objectives

Under the overarching theme of “Rebuilding the Lake Chad Basin: Consolidating Gains, Commitment to Peace, Cross-Border Cooperation, Security and Sustainable Development for a Resilient Community”, the 5^th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum specific objectives are to:  

• Enhance understanding of the current security and humanitarian trends in the region and the implications for ongoing efforts for restoration of state authority in the region.
• Discuss approaches to handling exits from Boko Haram as well as opportunities involved in the demobilization of government affiliated armed groups (CJTF, vigilantes, etc.) in the Lake Chad Basin, including their contribution to social cohesion and transitional justice.
• Discuss the opportunities and challenges for accelerating implementation of TAPs, with a focus on the role of partnerships and collaboration in resource mobilisation for TAPs and RS SRR implementation.
• Examine the role of cross-border trade in facilitating socio-economic recovery and promoting regional cooperation.
• Examine key strategies for strengthening role of the CSOs, including youth-led and women-led CSOs, in RS SRR resource mobilization and implementation.
• Discuss the impacts of illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse on violent extremism and explore options for preventing violent extremism through curbing illicit drug trafficking and drug abuse, with a focus on role of youths and women.
• Discuss strategies for combatting food insecurity through building resilience of food systems to climate change in the Lake Chad Basin: Building Resilience, Creating Sustainable Solutions to Food Insecurity.
• Discuss the challenges and opportunities for adopting durable solutions for IDPs and refugees in the Lake Chad region.

1. Expected Outputs

Stakeholders will take stock of the progress made; agree on a shared understanding of the trajectory of the current situation in the Lake Chad Basin region; and proffer different programmatic and policy pathways to enhanced regional cooperation, stabilization, and long-term peace and sustainable Development in the region.

1. Methodology for the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum

The methodology for the 5^th Edition of the LCB Governors’ Forum will draw on lessons from the past fora, especially the 3^rd and 4^th Editions of the LCB Governors’ Forums, in order to promote inclusive participation of actors in the region.

The Forum will be structured into three Phases as follows:

Phase I: Pre-forum

The Governors’ Forum will be preceded by a two-day Pre-Forum. Under the overall coordination of the LCBC, the Pre-Forum events will be self-organized by the leads of the Pre-Forum events. The Pre-Forum will consist of multiple events running simultaneously:

• A CSO Forum to take stock of achievements, document lessons and chart a way forward for a stronger CSO involvement in the implementation of the adjusted RS SRR.
• A regional meeting of LCB traditional leaders and customary authorities to share and exchange knowledge and experiences on social cohesion, peaceful existence and the prevention of violent extremism.
• A closed-door meeting of experts from the governors’ offices facilitated by LCBC and UNDP to prepare for the closed-door session of the Governors’ offices during the main Forum.
• Additional Pre-Forum events and side events.

The organizers of the Pre-Forum events will produce outcome documents that will feed into the discussions with the eight LCB Governors during their closed-door sessions.

The CSO Forum and Traditional Leaders’ meeting will prepare Declarations that will be read during the Opening Session of the main Forum. These will be collated and shared with the participants and published as one of the output documents from the LCB Governors’ Forum.

Phase II: Governors Forum

The main forum will happen over three days and will be split into thematic sessions. Each session will be organised Davos style and will feature discussants from among the Governors alongside national and international experts and affected communities. Media including videos, research presentations, etc. will feature in the sessions as appropriate. The main forum will employ a hybrid format to enable remote participation by actors who will not be able to attend the main forum physically.

The Governors will also have a closed-door session whose agenda will be set by the Governors’ Offices. During the closed-door session of Governors, partners will organise parallel sessions for the Forum participants.

Phase III: Follow up on the Forum

The third and final step will happen after the main Forum. Following the completion of the main Forum there will be a technical follow-up on the implementation of the key recommendations and decisions of the Forum. Responsibilities with secured deadlines on key activities which will ensue from the recommendations of the Forum will be shared with stakeholders for implementation. 

1. Date and Venue

The Governors’ Forum will take place from the 29^th to 31^st January 2025 and the pre-Forum will precede the Governors’ Forum from the 27^th to 28^th January 2025. They will all take place in Maiduguri, Nigeria.

1. Participants

Participants for the Governors’ Forum will be drawn from the state/national governments of the four countries; Regional Economic Communities; national and international NGOs and CSOs; traditional leaders; UN agencies; donors; national and international research and education institutions; and other financial and technical partners. About 500 participants are expected for the main Forum.

Participants for the pre-Forum will be determined by the hosting organizations of the Pre-Forum events. However, entry to the Pre-Forum will not guarantee participation at the main Governors’ Forum as these two events will have separate registration processes.

 

Historical

The Lake Chad Basin, encompassing parts of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, has long been a region of immense cultural and economic significance. However, in recent years, it has faced severe challenges due to the Boko Haram insurgency, which has caused widespread displacement, insecurity, and humanitarian crises. In response to these challenges, the Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum was established, providing a platform for regional leaders to collaborate on stabilization, peacebuilding, and sustainable development.

The Inaugural Forum (2018)

The first Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum was held on May 8-9, 2018, in Maiduguri, Borno State, Nigeria. This historic event marked the beginning of a concerted effort to address the multifaceted crises affecting the region. Governors from the affected areas, along with representatives from international organizations and civil society, gathered to discuss strategies for stabilization and recovery. The forum emphasized the need for a coordinated approach to security, humanitarian aid, and development initiatives.

The Second Forum (2019)

Building on the foundation laid in Maiduguri, the second forum took place in Niamey, Niger, in July 2019. This meeting focused on enhancing cross-border cooperation and implementing the Regional Stabilization Strategy. Key discussions included improving security measures, providing humanitarian assistance, and promoting economic development. The forum highlighted the importance of regional solidarity and the need for sustained international support to address the root causes of the insurgency.

The Third Forum (2021)

The third Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum was held in Yaoundé, Cameroon, in October 2021. This gathering emphasized the role of local governance and community resilience in peacebuilding efforts. Participants reviewed the progress made since the previous forums and identified new challenges and opportunities for collaboration. The forum underscored the importance of empowering local communities and strengthening institutional capacities to foster long-term stability.

The Fourth Forum (2023)

The fourth forum convened in N’Djamena, Chad, from July 5-7, 2023, bringing together over 750 participants, including governors, international organizations, and civil society groups. The discussions centered on scaling up joint stabilization, recovery, and resilience efforts. The forum concluded with a renewed commitment to sustainable peace and development in the region. Participants agreed on the necessity of continued collaboration and the implementation of comprehensive strategies to address the ongoing challenges.

Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, remarked, “I believe this meeting provides the needed opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and the lessons learnt, and to collectively strategize on how to effectively address the emerging challenges in the region”.

Ahunna Eziakonwa, UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Assistant Administrator, highlighted the impact of the forum’s efforts: “What we have seen over three years is how the impact of stabilization extends beyond numbers; it has restored hope and dignity across the region. It has brought communities together, fostering resilience and determination to rebuild their lives”[1].

The Upcoming Fifth Forum (2025)

The fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum is scheduled to take place in Yobe State, Nigeria, from January 29 to 31, 2025, with pre-forum activities starting on January 27. Preparations are well underway, with the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) working closely to ensure a seamless and impactful event. The forum will continue to address regional challenges, promote development, and strengthen governance.

The LOC chairman expressed appreciation for the continuous efforts and commitment of the executive governors of Yobe and Borno states, emphasizing the importance of synergy between the LOC and LCBC/UNDP teams in achieving the forum’s objectives.

Moving Forward

The Lake Chad Basin Governors Forum has become a crucial platform for addressing the complex issues facing the region. Through these forums, regional leaders have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to overcoming the challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgency. By working together, they are paving the way for a brighter, more stable future for the people of the Lake Chad Basin.

As the forum continues to evolve, it remains a beacon of hope, showcasing the power of regional cooperation and the resilience of the affected communities. The journey towards peace and stability is ongoing, but with continued dedication and support, the Lake Chad Basin can look forward to a future of renewed prosperity and harmony.

[1] The Strategy was validated by the Lake Chad Basin Council of Ministers on 30 August 2018 and endorsed by the AU Peace and Security Council (PSC) on 5 December 2018

2 Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States in Nigeria; Diffa region in Niger; Lac and Hadjer-Lamis Provinces in Chad; Far North and North Regions in Cameroon.