Zulum launches reconciliation, reintegration policy for Lake Chad Basin
By Tada Juthan, Maiduguri
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum, has launched a community-based reconciliation and reintegration policy and the transitional justice (CBRR) framework for the Lake Chad Basin.
According to him, the policy framework is to foster peace and stability in the Lake Chad region. Zulum unveiled the policy framework over the weekend (Friday) at the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum in Maiduguri, Borno State.
He stated that, “This policy framework was inspired by the successful adoption of the “Borno Model” conceived and implemented by the state government.He said that the implementation of the community-based policy will overcome the challenges posed by Boko Haram insurgency.
The governor said, “The policy framework was conceived when I was the commissioner of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement (RRR) in 2015.” Besides adopting CBRR, he stated.
“The policy framework implementation was supported by the UNDP and European Union (EU) through validation of workshops within and outside the state.
He said that the policy was ultimately approved by the Vice President, Kashim Shettima, while he was the governor of Borno State.Zulum noted that kinetic military actions alone are, however, inadequate to end terrorism in the Lake Chad region. “This underscores the need for socio-economic and political strategies in addressing the region’s crisis,” he stated. Zulum continued,
“We adopted a set of 17 strategic recommendations aimed at achieving a lasting peace in the region,” as well as the reintegration of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) repentant terrorists and their families.
He added that the UNDP has adopted the Borno Model to create a regional policy framework for reintegration in the Lake Chad Basin.
Meanwhile, he said that over 200,000 repentant terrorists have surrendered with the provision of psycho-social support and empowerment programs, stating, “Thousands of the repentant insurgents are successfully reintegrated into their communities.Yahoo Mail: Search, Organise, Conquer
