CISLAC Applauds Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, Calls for Regional Unity

 By Abdullahi Alhassan Kaduna 

The Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) has congratulated the successful hosting of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum in Maiduguri, applauding the emergence of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the new Chairman of the Forum. In a statement, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Executive Director of CISLAC, emphasized that the milestone underscores the collective commitment of regional leaders to addressing the multi-faceted challenges affecting the Lake Chad Basin.

"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," 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."

CISLAC urged all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation over conflict, noting that "a divided region weakens the collective ability to confront common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and economic hardship." The organization emphasized that the Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum should serve as a model for regional cooperation, where shared interests outweigh individual political differences.

The organization also highlighted the persistence of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgency, which continues to threaten millions of lives across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. CISLAC called for stronger regional coordination, intelligence-sharing, and investment in community-led stabilization programs to achieve sustainable peace.

Addressing the impact of climate change, CISLAC noted that the shrinking of Lake Chad has led to water scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity, exacerbating conflicts in the region. The organization called 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.

For the Lake Chad Basin Governors' Forum to achieve its full potential, CISLAC emphasized the need for stronger governance, sustainable funding mechanisms, and reinforced international support. The organization advocated for increased financial commitments from national governments, development partners, and regional bodies to implement peace building and development projects.

"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," the organization concluded. "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".