The Shehu of Borno has received a high-powered delegation from the Dar-Zaghawa Kingdom in Chad, as the two traditional institutions seek to strengthen their longstanding historical, cultural and traditional ties.

The delegation visited the Shehu’s Palace in Maiduguri on 21 October 2026, highlighting the shared heritage between the peoples of Borno and Chad, whose historical connections date back to the era of the Kanem-Borno Empire.

During the visit, the two kingdoms ratified a Letter of Friendship aimed at promoting cultural preservation, security cooperation and socio-economic development.

The document was signed by Dr Zanna Hassan Boguma, Zanna Boguma of Borno, on behalf of the Shehu of Borno, and Muhammad Oumar Ergoi, representing the Sultan of Dar-Zaghawa in Chad.

According to Zanna Hassan Boguma, the agreement represents a significant milestone in strengthening the bonds of friendship, unity, cultural heritage and cooperation between the two traditional kingdoms.

He said the historical links between the two communities remain deep-rooted, noting that the Kanuri people have historical connections with the Zaghawa.

Beyond cultural ties, the discussions also focused on some of the major challenges affecting communities around the Lake Chad region, including insecurity, trans-Saharan trade, unemployment and broader socio-economic development.

The delegations included senior government officials, military officers and representatives from the private and traditional sectors of both countries.

Among those attending from the Chadian side were senior military officers, a senior special adviser to President Mahamat Idris Déby and an official from Chad’s Ministry of Petroleum and Energy.

The Nigerian delegation included the Borno State Commissioner for Agriculture, the Director-General of the Borno Investment Promotion Council, the Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Economic Development, the Senior Special Adviser to the Borno State Governor on Regional Integration, and members of the Borno Emirates Concerned Citizens Forum.

The discussions centred on regional security, economic cooperation, development and poverty reduction.

The visit also featured traditional ceremonies, cultural performances and diplomatic engagements, reinforcing the role of traditional institutions in promoting cross-border friendship, cultural diplomacy, peacebuilding and cooperation.

The agreement is expected to further strengthen relations between the Kanem-Borno and Dar-Zaghawa traditional institutions and contribute to the preservation of their shared cultural heritage.

The development also highlights the continuing relevance of the Kanem-Borno civilisation and its traditional institutions in promoting unity, preserving cultural identity and strengthening relations among communities across national borders.