Lake Chad Basin Commission: Extra Ordinary Summit in Abuja, Nigeria
Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission are expected to meet in an extraordinary summit this Tuesday, May 25, 2021. The Summit is the first since the passing away of former Chadian President Idriss Deby Itno.
Heads of State and Government of the eight member commission are expected to take part in the high level meeting.
Cameroon’s Head of State, Paul Biya will be represented at the Summit by the Minister of State, Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngo Ngo.
In addition to the leaders of the member countries, representatives from the United States of America, France and Britain as well as the African Union and some International Organisations will also part in the summit as guest.
A critical examination of the security situation within the Lake Chad area is expected to feature prominently in their discussions especially as a leader of the member country died in battle fighting rebels.
Issues regarding financing and logistics of the Multi National Joint Task Force put in place by member countries to tackle the terrorist group is expected to feature in their discussions.
At meeting is also coming at the time when the Boko Haram Islamist have been contained but not completely silenced as the group still carries out sporadic suicide attacks within the zone.
Humanitarian and civilians/Military cooperation as well the role on international partners are among aspects that probably feature in the talks.
Another issue that the Heads of State and Government may examine is the effects of climate change on Lake Chad that has reduced about 75% of its total water content.
The current summit is perceived by pundits as a gathering of regional leaders to re-strategize on the future of the commission.
Scope of Lake Chad Basin Commission
The Lake Chad basin covers almost 8% of the African continent. Water from the lake spread to over seven countries: Algeria, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Libya, Niger and Nigeria.
However, eight countries selected based on their proximity to Lake Chad including; Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, Algeria, the Central African Republic, Libya, and Sudan constitute the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
The commission is an intergovernmental organization that oversees usage water and natural resource in the basin. Only four of the eight member countries have borders with Lake Chad; Cameroon, Chad Nigeria, and Niger.
