By Hamza Suleiman

Cynthia Rowe, Development Director for the British High Commission in Nigeria says military action alone is insufficient to address terrorism and violent extremism in the Lake Chad Basin region.

Rowe made the statement during the launch of the Community-Based Reconciliation and Reintegration (CBRR) Policy and Transitional Justice Framework at the 5th Lake Chad Governor’s Forum held on Thursday in Maiduguri.

Speaking at a high-level forum on counterterrorism efforts in Nigeria, Rowe stressed the need for a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach to security challenges that go beyond military action.

Rowe, a representative of the International Support Group, added that, “the one thing that we all know is that kinetic action alone is not enough to resolve the challenges around extremism and terrorism that many people are facing.

“Effective security measures must also address the underlying causes of extremism, through dialogue, justice, and development,” she said.

She emphasised the importance of integrating both local and national systems, engaging traditional leaders, and ensuring that counterterrorism measures uphold the dignity of affected communities.

“Understanding the root causes of extremism and addressing them through dialogue and community based solutions is essential.

“Reconciliation and community resilience are just as crucial as military action,” she said.

The British official further stressed that crime and insecurity required strategic, accountable, and sustainable solutions.

She pointed to the necessity of practical action, adding that, “the final word I would actually give to Madame Wondu, is about action, not paper; and I think that’s what we are all here for in the end.”

Rowe also spoke about the need for cross-border cooperation among the Lake Chad Basin countries, noting the shared challenges of insecurity, displacement, and extremism facing Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad, and Niger.

“It’s fascinating to have our colleagues from Cameroon here who can share insights on what is happening in their country.

“We all have unique experiences but common challenges, and we can learn a lot from one another.”

Reflecting on her previous experience working in Nepal, Rowe spotlighted the importance of collaboration and communication in crisis management.

“The lessons we learned in Nepal about transitional justice and communication are still relevant today.

“The global community is watching Africa, and we are committed to addressing these challenges together,” she said.

Rowe also commended Nigerian officials for their ongoing efforts in engaging with regional stakeholders to find sustainable solutions, and stressed the need for continued international support and collaboration to rebuild communities and restore peace across the region.

She also expressed gratitude for the contributions of organisations such as the European Union and the UNDP in supporting peace-building efforts.

“The world is watching, and it’s critical that we continue working together to address the root causes of extremism and displacement,” she added.

Earlier, Amb. Mamman Nuhu, the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), underscored the importance of a harmonised and coherent approach to national and local reintegration efforts in the Lake Chad Basin.

He noted that the CBRR policy provided guidance to affected countries to support the reintegration process, while recognising the unique context of each member country.

The executive secretary emphasised the necessity of adopting the policy to local circumstances to ensure its effectiveness.

“The CBRR policy recognises the importance of community-level reconciliation and traditional justice to sustain reintegration efforts.

“It also acknowledges that these community-level processes complement nationally-led prosecution strategies and formal mechanisms,” he said.

Nuhu highlighted that the policy also addressed the trauma and damage caused by conflict in affected communities, with a focus on community readiness and the restoration of social and productive infrastructure.

He pointed out that reconciliation formed the foundation for justice and reintegration support, adding that, “it’s crucial to understand the role communities play in the reintegration process,” Nuhu said.

The scribe explained that the policy aimed to harness the capacities of men, women, youth, children, and different groups within the community to ensure the success of the reintegration efforts.

The CBRR policy also proposes the establishment of community committees to drive the process at the local level, with guidance from a central committee overseeing the entire process.

Nuhu explained that these committees would work in tandem with appropriate regional, national, and local governance structures to ensure the success of reconciliation and reintegration. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Maureen Atuonwu