Poverty, inequality fueling insecurity in Lake Chad region, says Tinubu

By Kunle Sanni

President Bola Tinubu has identified poverty, inequality, and unemployment as the root causes of insecurity in the Lake Chad Basin, emphasizing that military interventions alone cannot bring lasting peace to the region.

Speaking at the 5th meeting of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State, on Wednesday, Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—called for a multifaceted approach to tackling terrorism, insurgency, and other security challenges.

“Our response to these threats must be multifaceted. While military solutions are indispensable, they must be complemented by strategies that address the root causes of insecurity—poverty, inequality, and the lack of opportunities for our youth,” he said.

The forum, attended by governors from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, as well as humanitarian organizations and international partners, focused on stabilizing the region after years of armed conflict.

Tinubu lamented that despite Africa having the world’s youngest population, many of its youth are drawn into violent extremism due to limited economic opportunities.

He urged regional leaders to invest in education, job creation, and economic development to transform young people from “cannon fodder for destructive ideologies” into a productive force for peace.

While acknowledging the success of joint military operations in repelling insurgents, Tinubu cautioned that hard power alone is insufficient. He emphasized the need for diplomacy, economic cooperation, and trust-building among Lake Chad Basin countries.

He warned against allowing global geopolitical tensions to divide the region, stating, “The true enemy remains the non-state actors who exploit weak borders, poor governance, and fragile economies to challenge our civilization.”

“The salvation of the Lake Chad region is neither in Europe nor in the Americas. It lies in the hands of all those gathered here today,” he added.

Governors at the forum also raised concerns over the shrinking of Lake Chad, which has lost 90% of its water in six decades, worsening economic hardship and displacement. Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Fintiri noted that climate change, irrigation, dam construction, and population growth have contributed to the crisis.

Despite ongoing challenges, international partners, including the British High Commission, reaffirmed their support for regional development efforts, commending progress in resettling displaced persons and restoring stability.

The forum resolved to strengthen cross-border cooperation, invest in sustainable development, and consolidate security gains to ensure a resilient and peaceful Lake Chad Basin.

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