ECOWAS: CISLAC charges diplomacy, cooperation amidst lingering tensions

The Executive Director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), Comrade Auwal Musa Ibrahim Rafisanjani, has emphasized the need for Nigeria and all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation amidst ongoing tensions among ECOWAS Member States.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Rafisanjani congratulated the successful hosting of the Fifth Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri and commended the appointment of Governor Mai Mala Buni as the new Chairman of the Forum.

Rafsanjani argued that the unresolved crises among ECOWAS Member States pose a significant threat to regional stability. He emphasized that the success of the forum underscores the collective commitment of regional leaders to address the multifaceted challenges in the Lake Chad Basin, particularly security, climate change, economic development, and humanitarian crises.

“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 and their broader commitment to fostering peace, stability, and development across Africa,” said Rafsanjani.

He added that these organizations play a crucial role in strengthening regional governance, enhancing cross-border cooperation, and facilitating conflict resolution, which is essential to address the deep-rooted crises affecting communities in the Lake Chad Basin.

Amid rising tensions among ECOWAS Member States, CISLAC urged all stakeholders to prioritize diplomacy, dialogue, and cooperation over conflict.

“A divided region weakens the collective ability to confront common challenges such as terrorism, climate change, and economic hardship. The Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum should serve as a model for regional cooperation, where shared interests outweigh individual political differences,” CISLAC noted.

CISLAC also pointed out that the persistence of Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgencies continues to threaten millions across Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger. While military efforts have been vital, sustainable peace will only be achieved through stronger regional coordination, intelligence-sharing, and investment in community-led stabilization programs.

The Forum should continue pushing for better governance, socio-economic opportunities, and rehabilitation programs to counter extremist recruitment and reintegrate former combatants.

Addressing the region’s climate change crisis, CISLAC highlighted that Lake Chad has lost 90% of its original size since the 1960s, leading to water scarcity, displacement, and food insecurity, which exacerbate conflicts in the region.

CISLAC called for urgent climate adaptation policies, sustainable water management, and increased investment in climate resilience programs to protect the livelihoods of the affected communities. The international community, it said, must do more to help the region adapt to the devastating effects of climate change.

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For the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum to realize its full potential, CISLAC stressed the need for stronger governance, sustainable funding mechanisms, and reinforced international support. It advocated for increased financial commitments from national governments, development partners, and regional bodies to implement peacebuilding and development projects.

Additionally, CISLAC urged stronger political will to implement cross-border security agreements and ensure the free movement of people and goods within the region. It called for the removal of trade barriers to boost regional free trade, enhance economic integration, and create sustainable jobs, which would help reduce youth vulnerability to radicalization.

Rafsanjani further urged 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.

“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,” Rafsanjani concluded.