Different delegations have met with MINJEC to decide on granting support to Member States of the Lake Chad Basin, as well as to member organizations of the sub-region involved in the preservation of Peace and Security, which is inline with the implementation of Security Council resolution 2349 (2017).
The Forum of Governors of the Lake Chad Basin, which held in Cameroon on October 4, 2021, reaffirmed the need for participants to harmonize their efforts in order to face a number of challenges, including those relating to the socio-economic and security aspect which undermine the sub-region.
The UN mission falls within the framework of the resolutions of the said forum. The meeting was meant to enable MINJEC to present its projects while emphasizing on those particular projects that promote peace and security.
François Louceny Fall, Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations for Central Africa, on his part gave the broad outlines of this visit, namely: to reaffirm the support of the United Nations (UN) and the European Union (AU) to Member States of the Lake Chad Basin in the fight against terrorism and undertake high-level advocacy with national authorities to maintain peace and security among others.
"It is important to promote peace in the Lake Chad Basin. Boko Haram has invaded the sub-region and it is necessary that the two sub-regions work hand in glove. The fight against violent extremist groups is not only about the military, it is also about the general public and together we can play a vital role in eradicating threats… ” he said.
The SG Special Representative of the United Nations for West Africa and the Sahel, Mahamat Saleh Annadif said“ this initiative is a joint effort which must be considered as a preliminary."
"After listening to MINJEC, I have the impression that the fight against violent extremism leaves a lot to be desired, the reason being that most of the task is left in the hands of the military. It is necessary to sensitize people so that they know what is expected of them in terms of building peace and security" he explained.
The need for partners to harmonize efforts and strategize actions for peace to reign in the Lake Chad Basin could not be over emphasized, as both parties showed committement towards same goal.
By Ndefru Melanie
ndefrumelany@gmail.com