Chioma Umeha
More than 10 ministers from Lake Chad Basin
Commission (LCBC), and African Union (AU) representatives have converged in
Abuja to adopt a strategy aimed at regaining areas captured by Boko Haram
insurgents and tackling the economic crises around the lake.
The aim of the conference is to validate the
adoption of regional stabilisation strategy of the areas affected by the
insurgency through their representing ministers and supported by the United
Nations Development Program.
“In November 2017, the African Union Commission,
(AUC), Lake Chad Basin Commission, (LCBC) and development partners organised
the first conference on the development of a framework for a regional
stabilisation strategy.
“The framework was aimed at facilitating a
transition from active military engagement to addressing the root cause of the
crises and rationalising various initiative to stabilise area affected by Boko
Haram,” Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary, LCBC, said.
The three-day conference which began Monday at
Transcop Hilton, Abuja, draws participants from the region, ministers,
diplomats and experts from member States.
Mr Nuhu said that the draft is anchored on nine
strategic objectives. He said the strategy is designed to address the short,
medium and long term needs of the region towards stabilisation, resilience and
recovery of the affected areas.
He said there will be a strong imperative to
involve local communities in the implementation of development initiative.
He added that the strategy has outlined nine
pillars of interventions as well as implementation mechanism, roles and
responsibilities of stakeholders.
He said the budget of strategy and how to mobilise
the necessary resources to implement it were also spelt out.
The UN Resident, Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP
Resident Representative in Nigeria, Edward Kallon, and Samuel Bwalya in a keynote
address expressed honour being part of the validation process of the regional
strategy.
“Over the next few days, we will have the
opportunity to discuss, debate, and internalise the draft Strategy that has
been developed by the Lake Chad Basin Commission and the African Union
Commission. I want to take this opportunity to congratulate these key partners
for their leadership in this process and convening this Experts’ Meeting and
the Ministerial Conference planned for later this week,” Mr Kallon said.
He noted that the meetings are critical stepping
stones towards a resolution of the crisis around Lake Chad.
“For decades, the Lake Chad Basin has been plagued
by underdevelopment, weak governance, low levels of education, and exclusion of
women and youth in decision-making structures, and a myriad of environmental
challenges that have been exacerbated by drastic climate change in recent
times,” he explained.
He said the Lake Chad, which had historically
provided a lifeline to millions in the sub-region, had diminished and become
increasingly ‘unpredictable’.
“The prospects of supporting an ever-increasing
population and demographic pressures have become even more challenging. These
root causes underpin the general cycle of violence seen in the sub-region –
both in terms of increased banditry and a resilient insurgency,” he said.
Also, Mr. Bwalya expressed the commitment of
United Nations to support stability and recovery of the Lake Chad.
“The United Nations will continue to be a partner
to the Lake Chad sub-region as it continues its path towards stability,
recovery and resilience.
“We continue to support those who need life saving
assistance, whilst at the same time supporting Member States to build longer
term resilience for affected populations.
“With support from the German Government, a
flagship project has been launched by the United Nations Development program,
UNDP, to support regional stabilisation which, amongst other achievements,
facilitated the establishment of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in May of
this year as well as supported the development of the regional stabilisation
strategy.
“As the regional strategy is finalised, UNDP and
the entire UN system stands ready to support, where it may be necessary,
partners to ensure an inclusive, sustainable, and accountable implementation of
the strategy to help lift millions of vulnerable people out of poverty, stop
the continued violence, and put the Lake Chad sub-region on a path to
sustainable development,” he said.
The deliberations will continues today. Also, Vice President Yemi
Osinbajo will declare the Ministerial meeting on August 30 open.
