The Executive Director of the Center for Legislative Defense of Civil Society (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Ibrahim Rafisanjani, has emphasized the need for Nigeria and all interested parties to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation between continuous tensions between the Member States of the Cecowas.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Rafisanjani congratulated the successful organization of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin governors in Maiduguri and praised the appointment of Governor Mai Mal Buni as the new president of the forum.
Rafsanjani argued that the unresolved crises among the Member States of CEDEPS represent a significant threat to regional stability. He stressed that the success of the forum underlines the collective commitment of regional leaders to address multifaceted challenges in the Lake Chad basin, particularly security, climate change, economic development and humanitarian crises.
“We recognize and appreciate the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU) and the Commission of the Lake Chad Basin (LCBC) for its unwavering support for this initiative and His broader commitment to encourage peace, stability and development in Africa, ”said Rafsanjani.
He added that these organizations play a crucial role in strengthening regional governance, improve cross -border cooperation and facilitate conflict resolution, which is essential to address the rooted crises that affect communities in the Lake Chad basin.
Amid increasing tensions between the Member States of CEDEAS, CISLAC urged all interested parties to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue and cooperation on conflict.
“A divided region weakens the collective capacity to face common challenges such as terrorism, climate change and economic difficulties. The Governors of the Lake Chad Basin should serve as a model for regional cooperation, where shared interests exceed individual political differences, “Cislac said.
Cislac also pointed out that the persistence of Boko Haram and Iswap's insurgences continues to threaten millions in Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger. Although military efforts have been vital, sustainable peace will only be achieved through a stronger regional coordination, intelligence and investment exchange in community -directed stabilization programs.
The forum should continue to press for better governance, socio -economic opportunities and rehabilitation programs to counteract extremist recruitment and reintegrate the former combatants.
When addressing the crisis of climate change in the region, Cislac stressed that Lake Chad has lost 90% of its original size since the 1960s, which leads to the shortage of water, displacement and food insecurity, which exacerbates The conflicts in the region.
CISLAC requested urgent climate adaptation policies, sustainable water management and greater investment in climate resilience programs to protect the livelihoods of the affected communities. The international community, he said, must do more to help the region adapt to the devastating effects of climate change.
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In order for the Forum of Governors of the Lake Chad Basin to realize its maximum potential, CISLAC emphasized the need for stronger governance, sustainable financing mechanisms and reinforced international support. He advocated an increase in the financial commitments of national governments, development partners and regional agencies to implement peace and development consolidation projects.
In addition, Cislac urged a greater political will to implement cross -border security agreements and guarantee the free movement of people and property within the region. He asked for the elimination of commercial barriers to boost regional free trade, improve economic integration and create sustainable jobs, which would help reduce youth vulnerability to radicalization.
Rafsanjani also urged all interested parties (government, regional organizations, civil society and international partners) to support the forum of governors of the Chad Lake Basin as a vital platform for regional peace, stability and economic transformation.
“Now is the time for a renewed commitment, greater responsibility and inclusive governance to ensure that no community is left behind in the Lake Chad region,” Rafsanjani concluded.