More than 10 ministers from Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), African Union (AU) Representatives Converge have converge in Abuja, Nigerian’s Capital to adopt a strategy aimed at regaining areas captured by Boko Haram insurgency.

The aim of the conference is to validate the adoption of regional stabilization strategy of the areas affected by the insurgency through their representing ministers and supported by the United Nation Development programs.

“In November2017, the African Union Commission (AUC), Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and development partners organized the first conference on the development of a framework for a regional stabilization strategy. 

“The framework was aimed at facilitating a transition from active military engagement to addressing the root cause of the crises and rationalizing various initiative to stabilize area affected by Boko Haram”, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary Lake Chad Basin Commission said.

Mr Nuhu said that the draft is anchored on nine strategic objectives. Saying that the strategy is designed to address the short, medium and long term needs of the region towards stabilization, resilience and recovery of the affected areas.

Stressing the need that in achieving those objectives, there will be strong imperative in the implementation of development initiative.

He also added that the strategy has outline 9 pillars of interventions as well as implementation mechanism, role and responsibilities of stakeholders.

The UN Resident, Humanitarian Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Nigeria, Mr Edward Kallon and Dr Samuel Bwalya in their keynote addresses expressed honor to be part of the validation process of the regional strategy.

“Bwalya noted that the meetings are critical stepping stone towards a resolution of the crisis around Lake Chad.

According to him, he said "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.

Also, he said the Lake Chad water levels, which have historically provided a lifeline to millions in the sub-region, have 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.

Mr Bwalya expressed the commitment of United Nations support towards stability and recovery of the Lake Chad sub-region.

"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 lifesaving 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 stabilization 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 stabilization strategy.

"As the regional strategy is finalized, 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.

While the deliberations continue till Wednesday, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, will declare open the Ministerial meeting on 30 August 2018.

The first conference was held in November 2017 in N’Djamena, the capital of Chad.