News & Press Releases

LCBC Hosts Regional Workshop on Research Priorities for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience Abuja, Nigeria  9–11 September 2026. The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) brought together nearly 40 researchers, university representatives, think tanks, civil society actors and development partners in Abuja this week for the Regional Workshop on Research Priorities for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience in the Lake Chad Basin. The first time the Lake Chad Research Group (LCRG) has convened in this expanded, international format. At a Glance Why This Workshop Matters Since Boko Haram’s expansion into the Lake Chad Basin from 2014, the conflict has displaced at least three million people and left more than ten million in need of humanitarian assistance. LCBC Member States have responded both militarily, through the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), and non-militarily, through the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RS SRR) adopted in 2018 and recently updated as RS SRR2.0. Effective strategy depends on reliable evidence. LCBC has built two pillars to supply it: the Lake Chad Information System (LIS), its knowledge management platform, and the Lake Chad Research Group (LCRG), established under the World Bank-financed PROLAC programme. This workshop was convened to close remaining gaps, duplicated studies, thin dialogue between researchers and decision-makers, and a knowledge platform not yet reaching its full potential. The Opening Delivering opening remarks on behalf of LCBC Executive Secretary and Head of Mission of the MNJTF, Amb. Ibrahim Babani, the Technical Director welcomed delegates from across the Basin’s universities, research institutions, think tanks and partner agencies, calling the expanded meeting a significant step toward a more connected and impactful regional research network. “The success of our efforts depends on our ability to transform knowledge into action.” – Technical Director, LCBC, opening the workshop on behalf of Amb. Ibrahim Babani The remarks credited World Bank support through PROLAC and MCRP strengthening the LIS, formalising university cooperation across the Basin, and establishing the LCRG support that has already enabled 15 public universities to build a basin-wide research platform and strengthened the capacities of 402 researchers, teachers and students across five priority thematic areas. What the Data Shows Ahead of the workshop, LCBC ran an institutional survey to map research activity across the Basin. The findings, presented in plenary, showed research clustering heavily in secure urban centres leaving rural peripheries, lake-border islands, and displacement sites under-studied. Survey finding Result Most under-researched geography Rural peripheries & lake-border islands Most neglected research theme Environmental security & climate adaptation (43%) Top priority for future research Climate-security-livelihood nexus (46%) Leading barrier to research uptake Findings not translated into policy briefs (30%) The survey recommended stronger coordination and financing mechanisms, an inclusive regional knowledge management system, closer alignment between research and RS SRR2.0’s action plans, and a sharper focus on climate resilience. A Critical Look at the LIS Day Two turned the spotlight onto the LIS itself. LCBC’s technical team presented a candid SWOT analysis on the LIS recognising real strengths (a decade of centralised Basin data, a broad functional scope, and formal university partnerships) alongside honest gaps in reach, real-time data currency and user experience. Delegates then split into four working groups to turn that diagnosis into recommendations: The day closed with a guiding question for the road ahead: *what should the LIS look like by 2030 to become the Basin’s leading knowledge and decision-support platform?* Research From Across the Basin Delegates shared updates from a wide range of ongoing research programmes, including: From Network to Institution The workshop also marked a moment to reflect on the LCRG’s own journey since its founding meeting on 6 September 2021. In four years, the Group has held 12 coordination meetings, organised four international science-policy forums (Abuja, Niamey, and twice in N’Djamena) drawing more than 100 scientific papers, launched a Sub-Regional Doctoral School, and established a Network of Basin Universities formalised through agreements signed with LCBC. With PROLAC’s project cycle finite, proposals are now on the table to anchor the LCRG permanently within LCBC potentially as a standing Scientific Advisory Council so its work outlasts the project that created it. Looking Ahead Day Three turned to governance: a workshop on the LCRG’s own network operating strategy, followed by discussions on formalising regular dialogue between research centres and the decision-makers implementing RS SRR2.0 on the ground. The workshop closed with a set of consolidated recommendations and a formal closing ceremony. As the Technical Director noted in opening the workshop, research in the Lake Chad Basin now has the chance to serve as a powerful catalyst for peacebuilding, sustainable development and lasting prosperity provided the network built in Abuja this September continues to turn shared evidence into shared action.

GLOBAL ENGAGEMENT Lake Chad on the World Stage: LCBC and GIZ Team Take Basin’s Voice to Stockholm World Water Week 2026 By the GIZ-LCBC: Lake Chad Water Resources Management Program – LACHAWAMA From 23 to 27 August 2026, the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the GIZ-LCBC Project team travelled to Stockholm, Sweden, to represent the Basin at one of the world’s most influential water forums: Stockholm World Water Week 2026. Held under the theme “Water for People and Progress,” this year’s gathering carried particular significance as a key milestone on the road to the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in Abu Dhabi and COP31 in Türkiye. Bringing together governments, river basin organizations, scientists, and development partners from across the globe, the event provided an important platform to shape international water and climate discussions. For five days, the story, challenges, and aspirations of the Lake Chad Basin had a place at that global table, highlighting the region’s commitment to sustainable water management, resilience, and regional cooperation. Representing the Commission, Technical Director Mr Hycinth Sunjo Tah Banseka took part as a panellist in three high-level sessions, while colleagues from LCBC and GIZ engaged across a packed programme of side events, panels, and bilateral meetings. “When people see something and hear something, their decision-making becomes easier. Otherwise, we will be fighting with them all the time.” A Seat Among the World’s River Basins The Technical Director joined fellow leaders of river and lake basin organizations including the Mekong River Commission, the Nile Basin Initiative, the Niger Basin Authority, and the Okavango River Basin Water Commission — at the “Leaders’ Table: Resilient RBOs for People and Progress,” a candid exchange on the pressures facing basin organizations worldwide: climate variability, financing gaps, and the need for institutional reform. LCBC also featured in “Cooperation Currents — Advancing Resilience and Development through Water Cooperation,” a session convened by GIZ, the World Bank, IUCN, IHE Delft, and other partners around challenge basin organizations know well: communicating the benefits of transboundary water cooperation to audiences beyond the water sector. The Technical Director, Mr Hycinth Banseka, took his place among the session’s speakers alongside counterparts from the Nile Basin Initiative and the Okavango River Basin Water Commission, and delivered LCBC’s basin pitch on the benefits of water cooperation a contribution that fed into the session’s wider roundtable discussions on peace, environmental, regional, and economic dividends of cooperation. Digital Tools for a Changing Basin A highlight of the week was the session on “Digital Innovations for Water-Secure Africa,” where the Technical Director joined the World Bank, the African Union Commission, GIZ, and fellow African basin organizations to explore how Earth Observation satellites and artificial intelligence are transforming water management across the continent. From Kenya’s WAD Tool to IWMI’s DIWASA initiative, the delegation saw first-hand how data-driven platforms are helping basins plan smarter lessons LCBC can draw on as it strengthens its own monitoring and planning capacity for Lake Chad. Facing the Water Bankruptcy Era The delegation also attended the launch of a major new report, “Global Water Bankruptcy: Living Beyond Our Hydrological Means,” presented by 2026 Stockholm Water Prize Laureate Professor Kaveh Madani. Its stark message that many regions are now using water faster than nature can replenish it struck a particular chord for a delegation from a basin whose lake has shrunk dramatically in living memory. The session reinforced the urgency of transparent water accounting and equitable governance, principles long central to LCBC’s own work. Charting a Path to the Netherlands On the sidelines of the conference, the LCBC and GIZ-LCBC team sat down with Professor Susanne Schmeier of the IHE Delft Institute for Water Education to discuss a proposed study tour that would bring LCBC and member-state technical experts to the Netherlands. The idea: pair classroom learning with visits to Dutch flood-management infrastructure and nature-based solutions like the “Room for the River” programme, so that the experts who will ultimately evaluate and defend LCBC’s flood-management investments can see comparable solutions with their own eyes. Both sides are now working toward a tour in March 2026. The conversation also opened the door to a knowledge-sharing partnership between LCBC’s growing knowledge management platform LIS already linked to over 15 universities across the Basin and IHE Delft’s research community, and surfaced a reminder that LCBC’s own institutional history, including the origins of its multinational security cooperation, deserves to be documented before it is lost to time. A Basin With a Global Voice Beyond the headline sessions, the delegation held further bilateral discussions, including with the Niger Basin Authority (NBA), reaffirming the strong ties between Africa’s transboundary basin organizations as they prepare for the next major milestone on the global water calendar: the 2026 UN Water Conference in Abu Dhabi. For a Commission whose basin has too often been defined by crisis, Stockholm World Water Week 2026 was an opportunity to speak instead about solutions, about cooperation, resilience, and the hard-won lessons of managing a shared and transboundary water resources. As the delegation packed up for the journey home, one message travelled with them: the world is watching Lake Chad, and increasingly, it is listening too. For more on the GIZ-LCBC Project, contact the Project Communications Desk.

Chairman of Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, H.E. Mai Mala Buni, Begins Two-Day Tour of Boko Haram-Affected Territories with Visit to LCBC, MNJTF Headquarters N’Djamena, Chad – His Excellency Mai Mala Buni, Executive Governor of Yobe State, Federal Republic of Nigeria, and Chairman of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, has commenced a two-day official tour of the eight territories most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency across the Lake Chad Basin region. The tour, which forms part of ongoing efforts to advance the implementation of the Regional Strategy for Stabilization, Recovery, and Resilience of Areas Affected by Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin Region (RS SRR), is also intended to assess progress made on the key resolutions and strategic commitments adopted at the 5th Edition of the Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum, held in Maiduguri, Nigeria, from 29 to 31 January 2025. Governor Buni opened his itinerary with a courtesy visit to the Headquarters of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in N’Djamena, Chad, where he received briefings on the current state of stabilization, security, and development efforts across the Basin. Briefings on Stabilization and Security Progress During the visit, officials of the LCBC and the MNJTF briefed the Chairman on the status of implementation of the RS SRR, as well as on ongoing military and civilian efforts to counter the continued threat posed by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) across the region. The briefings also covered progress on the Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration (CBRR) Policy, the operationalization of the Special Multi-Partner Delivery Fund (SMDF) and the Nexus Funding Facility (NFF), and coordination between member states and the MNJTF’s troop-contributing countries Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and Benin. As Chairman of the Governors’ Forum, His Excellency Mai Mala Buni assumed the leadership of the Forum following the 5th Edition of the meeting, succeeding Her Excellency Ildjima Abdraman, Governor of Hadjer-Lamis Province, Chad, who steered the Forum between 2023 and 2024. A Tour Rooted in Regional Commitment The two-day tour will take the Chairman across the two territories most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency in Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria, in furtherance of the Forum’s commitment to strengthen cross-border security and accelerating recovery and development programming in communities in the Lake Chad Basin. The visit reflects the continued commitment of the Governors of the eight affected territories ensuring political leadership and support for the effective implementation of the RS SRR2.0, as recognized in the Final Communiqué of the 5th Lake Chad Basin Governors’ Forum. The Executive Secretary of the LCBC, Amb. Ibrahim Babani, welcomed the Chairman’s visit as a demonstration of the sustained high-level political will required to consolidate the gains made across the Basin. “Peace in the Basin is not a dream — it is a duty we owe our people. This visit by our Chairman reaffirms the unity of purpose that has always driven our progress,” Amb. Babani stated. The Lake Chad Basin Commission and the MNJTF reaffirmed their readiness to continue working closely with the Governors’ Forum, member states, and regional and international partners to ensure the full implementation of the RS SRR2.0 and the resolutions of the 5th Governors’ Forum.

Regional Training on Transitional Justice Opens in Douala to Advance Peace and Justice in the Lake Chad Basin Douala, Cameroon – 29 June 2026 The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), in collaboration with the African Union Commission (AUC) and supported by key partners including UNDP, has launched a Regional Training on Transitional Justice in Douala, Cameroon. The three-day workshop brings together justice sector actors, policymakers, practitioners and experts from Cameroon, Chad, Niger, and Nigeria to strengthen regional efforts toward peace, accountability, and social cohesion. The opening ceremony was marked by high-level speeches and remarks from representatives of the Host Country Cameroun, the African Union, the United Nations Development Fund (UNDP) and the LCBC, reflecting a shared commitment to addressing the complex legacy of conflict affecting the Lake Chad Region. In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the LCBC ably represented by the Technical Director, emphasized the urgency of addressing the long-term consequences of conflict in the region. He noted that while the Lake Chad Basin continues to face challenges such as insecurity, displacement, and social fragmentation, there is also renewed hope for healing and recovery through coordinated regional action. The training underscores the importance of transitional justice as a key pillar of stabilization. Rather than focusing solely on past violations, transitional justice is positioned as a forward-looking framework that promotes accountability, restores dignity to victims, rebuilds trust in institutions, and fosters reconciliation across communities. This training is part of ongoing efforts by the LCBC and its partners to operationalize the Regional Strategy for the Stabilization, Recovery and Resilience (RS-SRR 2.0), which recognizes transitional justice as essential for sustainable peace. The RS-SRR2.0 emphasizes a humanitarian–development–peace nexus approach, linking security interventions with long-term recovery and governance reforms to address the root causes of instability. Participants will deepen their understanding of transitional justice principles aligned with the African Union Transitional Justice Policy, while ensuring that these approaches remain grounded in the realities of the Lake Chad Basin. The Lake Chad Basin faces interconnected challenges that underscore the need for a comprehensive approach to justice and peacebuilding. These include: These factors have contributed to widespread displacement, socio-economic vulnerabilities, and erosion of trust between communities and state institutions. Against this backdrop, transitional justice provides a framework for addressing grievances, promoting inclusion, and preventing the recurrence of violence by placing the victims and communities at the center of the process. Building Capacity and Ownership With over 40 participants drawn from justice institutions, government agencies, and regional organizations, the training aims to: The interactive training methodology includes expert presentations, case studies, and group discussions designed to translate policy principles into practical actions. The LCBC expressed appreciation to its partners, including the African Union, UNDP, UNODC, IOM, BICC, ISS, and other technical and financial contributors, for their continued support in advancing peace and stability in the region. UNDP, in its remarks, reaffirmed its commitment to supporting transitional justice as a complementary mechanism that strengthens accountability, promotes inclusion, and ensures that recovery processes leave no one behind. The Role of the LCBC in Regional Stability Established in 1964, the Lake Chad Basin Commission plays a central role in promoting regional cooperation, sustainable resource management, and peace and security across its Member States. Through initiatives such as the Strategic Action Programme (SAP 2023–2037) and RS-SRR2.0, the Commission continues to drive efforts aimed at improving livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and fostering long-term stability in one of Africa’s most complex regions.   Over the next three days, participants will engage in in-depth discussions on key thematic areas, including accountability mechanisms, gender and inclusion, psychosocial support, and community-based justice systems. The outcomes of the training are expected to contribute significantly to shaping a coherent, context-specific transitional justice policy for the Lake Chad Basin. As the region continues its journey from crisis to recovery, this training marks an important milestone in building a shared vision for justice, reconciliation, and sustainable peace.  Follow LCBC on X (Twitter): @lcbc_cblt

LCBC Launches PARFEBALT Project to Restore Lake Chad Basin Ecosystems and Livelihoods N’Djamena, Chad – 4 May 2026 The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB), has officially launched the Project to Support the Restoration of the Ecological and Economic Functions of the Lake Chad Basin (PARFEBALT) in N’Djamena, Chad. The five-day workshop (4–8 May 2026) brings together key stakeholders from LCBC Member States, technical and financial partners, and regional institutions, marking a critical milestone in efforts to revitalize the Lake Chad Basin. The opening ceremony was chaired by the Honourable Minister of Water and Energy of Chad, the Executive Secretary of the LCBC, representatives of the African Development Bank, the African Union, and other distinguished partners. A Strategic Project for a Fragile Ecosystem The Lake Chad Basin is one of Africa’s most important transboundary ecosystems, supporting the livelihoods of over 45 million people across Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, and the Central African Republic. However, the basin has faced decades of environmental degradation driven by climate change, reduced water inflows, and growing pressure on natural resources. In response to these challenges, PARFEBALT has been designed as a regional technical support initiative to build the foundations for large-scale restoration of the basin’s ecological and economic functions, while strengthening the resilience of its populations. The project, financed by the African Development Bank to the tune of UA 7 million, will focus on enhancing knowledge of water resources, improving governance, and mobilizing investments for long-term revitalization efforts. Official Launch and Key Messages In his opening remarks, the Executive Secretary of the LCBC Amb. Ibrahim Babani emphasized the significance of the initiative, stating: “The launch today represents a decisive step in affirming the shared, united, and visionary commitment of Member States of the LCBC to safeguard Lake Chad and its sustainable development.” He further highlighted the urgency of action in the basin: “The Lake Chad Basin… continues to face challenges of considerable magnitude, including climate variability and change, the gradual degradation of ecosystems, and increased pressure on natural resources.” According to the Executive Secretary, PARFEBALT will play a critical role in strengthening technical capacity, improving monitoring systems, and mobilizing resources for large-scale regional investments, particularly for improving the hydraulic capacity of the Chari–Logone and Komadugu-Yobe river systems. Objectives of the Kickoff Workshop The Kickoff Workshop serves as the official starting point for the implementation of PARFEBALT and aims to: The workshop will also include training sessions on project management procedures and a field visit to highlight key environmental challenges in the basin. Building Foundations for Long-Term Impact PARFEBALT is structured around three main components: Through these components, the project aims to generate bankable investment programmes, improve climate resilience, and enhance coordination among countries sharing the basin. The initiative is aligned with the LCBC Strategic Action Programme (2023–2035) and contributes to broader regional and global goals, including climate action, sustainable water management, and ecosystem restoration. The launch of PARFEBALT marks a renewed commitment by Member States and partners to restore livelihoods, ecosystems, and stability in one of Africa’s most vulnerable yet vital regions. 👉 Read the full Press Release here

Leadership Transition at the Lake Chad Basin Commission Amb. Ibrahim Babani Assumes Office as Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission, MNJTF Ndjamena, 16 March 2026 The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) held a formal handover ceremony marking the transition of leadership to Amb. Ibrahim Babani, who has assumed office as Executive Secretary of the LCBC and Head of Mission of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF). The ceremony was chaired by Mr. Passalé Kanabé Marcellin, Chairman of the Council of Ministers of the LCBC, and was attended by representatives of Member States, senior officials LCBC and the MNJTF, partners, and staff. In his remarks, the Chairman of the Council of Ministers commended the outgoing Executive Secretary, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, for his dedicated service and for ensuring a smooth, orderly transition that safeguards institutional continuity. He welcomed Amb. Babani, expressing the collective confidence of Member States in his experience, leadership, and vision to advance the LCBC’s strategic priorities and deepen coordination with the MNJTF. “This transition reflects our shared commitment to continuity, cooperation, and results. We appreciate Amb. Nuhu for his service and look forward to working with Amb. Babani to advance peace, security, and sustainable development in the Lake Chad Basin,”PCM, Council of Ministers Amb. Ibrahim Babani is a seasoned diplomat with dacades of distinguished service in international relations and diplomatic affairs. Since joining the Nigerian Foreign Service in 1997, he has served in various roles across Nigeria’s diplomatic and consular missions, including postings in Mali, Indonesia, and Malaysia. His extensive experience in bilateral and multilateral engagement, mediation, and development diplomacy positions him to lead the LCBC at a time when regional cooperation, climate resilience, and human security are paramount. Upon assuming office, Amb. Babani expressed gratitude to the LCBC Member States for their confidence, to Amb. Mamman Nuhu for a seamless handover, and to all partners for their continued support: “I am deeply honored by the trust placed in me by our Member States. I look forward to working closely with our regional and international partners to advance the LCBC’s core mandate particularly transboundary water resource management, livelihoods restoration, and regional stability while further strengthening MNJTF’s mission in fostering peace and security across the Lake Chad Basin.” The Commission extends profound appreciation to Amb. Mamman Nuhu for his stewardship during his tenure as Executive Secretary and Head of Mission, MNJTF. Under his leadership, the LCBC consolidated coordination among Member States, strengthened cooperation with security and development partners, and reinforced the institutional foundation for integrated basin management. His dedication to mission, people, and process has left a durable legacy for the Commission and the MNJTF. “Serving the peoples of the Lake Chad Basin has been one of the greatest honors of my career. I am grateful to the Member States, our partners, and especially the LCBC staff for their unwavering commitment to our shared objectives,”— Amb. Mamman Nuhu, outgoing Executive Secretary Looking Ahead Under Amb. Babani’s leadership, the LCBC will continue to drive evidence-based, inclusive, and results-oriented transboundary action across the Basin and strengthening of coordination mechanisms between the LCBC, MNJTF, member states and development partners. The Commission reaffirms its commitment to regional cooperation, peace, and sustainable development ensuring that the Lake Chad Basin remains a region of shared prosperity, stability, and ecological integrity.

LCBC Holds 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers N’Djamena, Chad – 6 March 2026The Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) convened its 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers in N’Djamena, Chad under the distinguished chairmanship of H.E. Passalé Kanabé Marcelin, Honourable Minister of Water Resources and Energy of the Republic of Chad and current Chair of the Council of Ministers. Delegations from all Member States, technical experts, and development partners participated in the session. The Council formally adopted the 2025 Annual Activity Report of the Executive Secretariat  which highlighted the Commission’s progress in advancing regional cooperation, development projects, and stabilization efforts across the Basin. The report also noted persistent operational challenges, including financial constraints and insecurity. The Council further approved the 2026 Annual Workplan and Budget, valued at approximately 15.14 billion FCFA, reflecting the Commission’s commitment to strengthening climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, regional peace, and sustainable water resource management. In presenting the 2025 Annual Report, the Executive Secretary Amb. Mamman NUHU provided a brief overview of institutional performance, noting improvements in programme implementation, project monitoring, and international cooperation. He also underscored the need for strengthened financial contributions from Member States to ensure uninterrupted operations and effective delivery of the Commission’s mandate. This 71st Session marked the final appearance of Amb. Mamman Nuhu as Executive Secretary, concluding eight years of impactful service. The Council commended his leadership and approved the nomination of Amb. Ibrahim Babani as the new Executive Secretary, ensuring continuity and stability in the Commission’s executive management. Reflecting on his tenure, Amb. Nuhu expressed heartfelt appreciation to Member States, partners, and staff: “Serving as Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission and Head of Mission of the MNJTF has been a great honour. I leave office with immense pride in what we have accomplished together, and with abiding faith in the future of our region. May the Lake Chad Basin Commission continue to grow in strength, relevance, and impact.”Amb. Mamman Nuhu, Executive Secretary, LCBC / Head of Mission, MNJTF. The Council reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Commission’s programmes and priorities for 2026. With the adoption of key strategic documents and a smooth leadership transition, the LCBC is well positioned to deepen regional cooperation and enhance sustainable development, peace, and resilience across the Lake Chad Basin.

Committee of National Experts Commences 3‑Day Preparatory Meeting Ahead of the 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers N’Djamena, Chad – 3 March 2026The Committee of National Experts of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) today commenced a three‑day technical meeting in N’Djamena as part of preparations for the upcoming 71st Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers, scheduled for 6 March 2026. The gathering brings together National Focal Points and senior technical representatives from LCBC Member States of Cameroon, Chad, Niger, Nigeria, the Central African Republic, and Libya. The Experts are tasked with conducting an in‑depth review of strategic, administrative, financial, and programmatic documents that will guide deliberations during the Ministerial Session. In his remarks, the Executive Secretary emphasized the critical role of the Committee of National Experts in ensuring that decisions presented to ministers are well‑grounded, technically sound, and aligned with regional priorities. He also said that the Experts’ recommendations will form the backbone of discussions by the Honorable Commissioners. Over the next three days, participants will examine key documents including: The meeting highlights LCBC’s longstanding commitment to fostering collaboration among Member States in addressing the multifaceted challenges of the Lake Chad Basin, including environmental degradation, water resource management, socio‑economic development, and stabilization efforts in crisis‑affected areas. The conclusions and recommendations produced during this Expert Meeting will be submitted to the Council of Ministers during its 71st Ordinary Session on 6 March 2026, also in N’Djamena. The Ministerial Session is expected to endorse strategic decisions that will shape the Commission’s operations and regional development priorities in the year ahead. The LCBC remains committed to strengthening cooperation, enhancing regional integration, and promoting sustainable development for the over 45 million people who depend on the Lake Chad Basin for their livelihoods.

Ottawa, February 4, 2026 – As part of International Development Week 2026, Mr. Hycinth Banseka, Technical Director of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), will undertake an official visit to Canada from February 3 to 8, 2026. The mission aims to strengthen diplomatic ties and promote technical cooperation between Canada and the LCBC, in line with Canada’s Africa Strategy. Mr. Banseka will meet with representatives from Global Affairs Canada, Alinea International and numerous actors from the international cooperation community to discuss environmental, development, and security issues in the Lake Chad Basin region. “The restoration of the Lake Chad Basin is essential for community resilience and regional stability. We are proud to collaborate with Canada, Alinea, and all our partners to achieve these goals through the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project,” said Mr. Banseka of the LCBC. A lunch-and-learn event will be held on February 4, 2026, at the University of Ottawa (Social Sciences Building), titled: “Restoring the Lake Chad Basin: Empowerment, Resilience, and Environmental Peace.” The event, held as part of the Lake Chad Basin Conservation Project, is a collaboration between Alinea International, the LCBC, and the University of Ottawa’s Centre for International Policy Studies (CIPS), with financial support from Global Affairs Canada. The program will also feature a roundtable discussion with three panelists: Yannick Beaudoin (Alinea International), Michèle Laflamme (CERFO), and Fobissie Kalame (FOKABS), along with a keynote address delivered by Mr. Banseka of the LCBC. They will exchange insights on innovative solutions for ecological restoration, strengthening climate resilience, and advancing scientific cooperation between Canada and the Lake Chad Basin countries. This visit and the exchanges it will generate will help strengthen essential partnerships for the sustainable restoration of the Lake Chad Basin and reinforce the resilience of the communities that depend on it. PCBLT | Alinea International |