The Governors’ Forum of the Lake Chad Basin has officially adopted the community-based reconciliation and reintegration policy and the transitional justice framework in achieving and promoting regional peace and stability.
The initiative, inspired by Borno State’s successful ‘Borno Model,’ was spearheaded by Governor Babagana Zulum to address the complex challenges of the Boko Haram insurgency through a community-driven approach.
Speaking at the launch, Gov. Zulum reflected on the origins of the initiative, which he helped establish in 2015 as commission for reconciliation, rehabilitation, and resettlement.
He credited support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the European Union for the initiative’s eventual approval under the administration of then-Governor Kashim Shettima.
Gov. Zulum emphasized that military action alone is insufficient to end the insurgency, advocating for a holistic approach that includes social, economic, and political strategies.
Upon assuming office, Gov. Zulum, his administration review the implementation of the initiative, incorporating feedbacks from key stakeholders such as traditional rulers, victims, military officials, and international organizations, resulted in 17 strategic recommendations aimed at sustainable peace.
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A major resolution from the forum was the decision to accept and reintegrate willing defectors from Boko Haram and the Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP), while establishing traditional justice mechanisms to facilitate reconciliation.
Gov. Zulum expressed satisfaction that the UNDP has adopted the model as a foundation for a broader regional reintegration framework.
He also highlighted key achievements, which according to him, include, the surrender of over 200, 000 former insurgents and their families over the past two years.
Others achievements, as listed out by Gov. Zulum, are the ongoing community engagement efforts, and the provision of psycho-social support and empowerment programmes to aid reintegration.
He noted that thousands of former insurgents have successfully reintegrated into their communities, reinforcing the belief that dialogue remains one of the most effective ways to end insurgency.
