Brief – Government representatives, academics, security agencies and traditional leaders are taking part in the Second Annual International Forum which is focusing on regional integration and natural resources risk management solutions for sustainable peace and economic development in the Lake Chad Basin.

Organised by the Lake Chad Basin Commission, which comprises representatives of Nigeria, Chad, Niger and Cameroon, the three-day conference is taking place in Niamey in the Niger Republic. It began on Wednesday, May 23 and will end on Friday, May 25.

The forum will discuss development strategies and operational solutions to address the challenges of climate change and conflict. Other issues include economic recovery and the needs of women, youths and the most vulnerable in the Lake Chad Basin.

The Lake Chad Basin has been facing insecurity since 2012, mostly caused by attacks by Jamā’at Ahl as-Sunnah lid-Da’way Wa’l-Jihād (JAS) insurgents, better known as Boko Haram.

AISHA SD JAMAL