The forum of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) has agreed to seek the support of community leaders to strengthen the fight against terrorism. They have also renewed their commitment to the fight against Boko Haram terrorists with a view to bringing a definitive end to the insurgency.
The leaders made their position known on Saturday, in a communiqué issued at the end of their one day summit convened by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
The leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the accelerated implementation of the Regional Stabilisation Strategy in the areas of Lake Chad affected by the Boko Haram crisis.
The Strategy was recently endorsed by the African Union Peace and Security Council.
The leaders, therefore, agreed to implement Quick Impact Projects (QIPs) within the limits of available resources, to provide immediate relief to the communities affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.
While expressing appreciation to the African Union Peace and Security Council for renewing the yearly mandate of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) for the year 2019, the leaders also commended partners and the international community for their support and contributions.
They, however, urged them to extend additional assistance to the LCBC and the MNJTF, in order to eradicate the Boko Haram insurgency and as a means of reinforcing global peace and security.
The regional leaders also directed the Committee of the Chiefs of Defence Staff to henceforth meet regularly to assess the security situation and the efforts being made to bring an end to the insurgency.
They also thanked President Buhari for his inspiring leadership in his capacity as Chairman of the Summit of Heads of State and Government of Lake Chad Basin Commission.
