UNOWAS E-Magazine N2 Quarterly E-Magazine of the Office for West Africa and the Sahel l Together for Peace

IN THIS ISSUE Focus The United Nations’ support to tackle insecurity in Lake UNOWAS, MISAHEL, Lake Chad Basin Chad Basin Commission and The Multinational Joint Task Force discuss the security Since 2009, when the erstwhile leader of Boko Haram Mohammed Yusuf died in police custody, the level of killings and destruction, enslavement of girls and situation of the region women, and the loss of livelihoods inflicted by the group has caught the world’s attention. In response, the United Nations has adopted an approach that- at tempts to bring together the organization’s vast experience...Read more P.3

Baga-Sola (Lake Chad) Few fishermen dare venture on the waters of the Lake since the beginning of the Nigerian crisis. Crédit: UN CHAD

As part of his joint visit in Chad with President Buyoya, Head of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL)...Read more P.4

West Africa and the Sahel, key topics of the 71st United Nations General UNOWAS delegation meeting with the Nigerian Air Force HQ in Abuja © UNOWAS Assembly Session Editorial “Not to take our eyes off the ball” By Mohamed Ibn Chambas t is well known that the overall humanitarian assistance across the security situation in the Lake region, including 7 million that are Nigerian refugees arrive on Lake Chad islands in Niger. (UNHCR partner in south Niger) / September 2014 Chad Basin area remains severely food insecure, and about precarious and volatile. The 480,000 children facing acute West Africa and the Sahel regions figured promi- effortsI exerted by the international malnutrition. And malnutrition nently in the discussions during the 71st session community to confront and rates are expected to increase in of the General Assembly, which opened on 19 curb the horrendous violence the coming months. September 2016..Read more P.5 perpetrated by Boko Haram are commendable, yet the group is I repeat these statistics to remind all of us of the appalling conditions Interview still able to continue its campaign of terror. While it is avoiding direct of daily life suffered by the affected Toby Lanzer: “The Lake Chad Basin combat, it relies on ambushes, use communities, not to take our today witnesses the greatest tragedy of Improvised Explosive Devices eyes off the ball, to keep in mind of its history”P.11 and suicide bombers targeting that women, children and elders vulnerable groups. remain most vulnerable. That is Reportage what I had in mind when I visited As a result, the humanitarian Maiduguri, the capital of Borno UNHCR provides a safety net for Nige- situation has worsened, with State. Maiduguri is a symbol of rians at lakeside camp in Chad. P.8 an increasing number of people the suffering caused by the Boko suffering from food insecurity and Haram-instigated violence, with From to Cameroon: a journey malnutrition. According to OCHA, the hundreds of thousands of through hunger. P.10 of the 21 million people living in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) affected areas in Nigeria, Chad, it is hosting, yet at the same time Portrait Cameroon and Niger, about 2.4 a demonstration of the courage, Fatima Kyari Mohammed: the sense million have been displaced by resilience and hospitality of its of commitment. P.14 the insurgency. Additionally, over people. UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 9 million people are in need of December 2016 1 ...Page 2 Infography ...Editorial Internally Displaced Persons During my visits to the NSG and Bakasi Camps, which host and Refugees in Lake Chad respectively 17,000 and 10,000 IDPs, I could see, through Basin P.13 the distress in their eyes, that these statistics are a reflection and a consequence of a human-made ordeal. I assured the 12 things to know about people of Borno State of the commitment of the UN to UNOWAS P.17 support them during these challenging times, and I appealed to the surge of UN humanitarian assistance. I wholeheartedly commend the Nigerian government, the Nigerian Army, and the military coalition of the Multi To read National Joint Task Force in the fight against Boko Haram. Investing in Peace and the It is imperative that the international community provide Prevention of Violence in West Africa concrete and effective support to the Task Force to enable them achieving even better results. It is very worrying that and the Sahel-Sahara: Conversations the 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan for the Lake Chad on the Secretary-General’s Plan of Basin region, necessitating US $739 million, is still only 41 Action per cent funded. It goes without saying that additional $163 million pledged by donors in September is welcomed. The needs are enormous, and an appropriate response should continue to help us provide much-needed support to the suffering populations. It has now become common knowledge that addressing the roots causes of violent extremism and terrorism remains the key to curb the untold campaigns of violence we have been witnessing over the last years. This calls for a more equitable distribution of national resources, and meaningful action by policy makers to address structural issues of exclusion, social injustice, and deprivation. In the same vein, it is worth underlining that the armies comprising the Task Force are national institutions, which are regulated by codes, principles and rules of engagement. According to these rules, the strict observance of standards of human rights and humanitarian laws must guide their action under all circumstances. State Security apparatuses Link: http://bit.ly/2g6iKKg and institutions should not resort to methods in combating terrorists that are likely to not only turn the population against them but also push them to the side of the insurgents. Follow us on: Once again, I wish to reiterate the active solidarity of the UN and the entire international community with the unowas.unmissions.org governments and the peoples of the Federal Republic of twitter.com/UN_UNOWAS Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger, in the fight against facebook.com/UNOWAS international terrorism which has manifested itself the Lake flickr.com/UNOWAS Chad Basin countries in the form of Boko Haram terrorist activities. UNOWAS Quarterly online E-Magazine informs you about UNOWAS activities. It is designed and Mohamed Ibn Chambas prepared by the Office of Communications and Public Information. Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General For more information on the content, please write to: and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel [email protected]

2 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 Focus The United Nations’ support to tackle insecurity in Lake Chad Basin Since 2009, when the erstwhile leader of Boko Haram Mohammed Yusuf died in police custody, the level of killings and destruction, enslavement of girls and women, and the loss of livelihoods inflicted by the group has caught the world’s attention. In response, the United Nations has adopted an approach that attempts to bring together the organization’s vast experience, organizational capacity, and political leverage to ad- dress the multi- faceted challenges in a remote terrain stretching across national boundaries and touching upon sensitive interests. Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon himself has twice visited the region, to drum up and coordinate support for the affected populations in Nigeria and neighboring countries. On the ground, UNOWAS is at the forefront of translating policies into advocacy and action. Together with the United Nations Office to the African Union and the United Nations Office for Central Africa (UNOCA), UNOWAS provided advi- ce to develop the Concept of Ope- rations of the Multi National Joint Task Force, and continues lobbying to mobilize support for the Force. In bilateral visits, SRSG Ibn Chambas engaged participating countries to UNOWAS delegation meeting with the Nigerian Air Force HQ in Abuja put aside rivalries and pool resour- ces. SRSG Mohamed Ibn Chambas UN response ched by the Secretary-General negotiated access for dedicated have highlighted abuses not only The UN’s response is clustered humanitarian flights, and after an by terrorist groups, but also by the attack on aid convoys facilitated around political engagement, hu- security forces that are meant to manitarian assistance, human ri- the resumption of assistance. In protect civilians, urging govern- addition, as requested by the UN ghts, recovery and development, ments to take corrective action. law enforcement and justice, and Security Council, UNOWAS is also support to regional military ef- A holistic manner coordinating with other anti-ter- forts. rorism organizations, and is sup- While massive displacement is porting the Integrated Assistance On the military front, the UN has still prevalent, the UN is already for Countering Terrorism Initiative worked very closely with the Afri- assisting government to put in initiated by the G5-Sahel regional can Union to set up and support place plans for recovery and the body. Together with the SRSG Ab- the Multi-national Joint Task- For return of refugees and displaced doulaye Bathily of UNOCA, SRSG ce headquartered in N’Djamena. persons. A regional project on Ibn Chambas continues to encou- Mechanisms established with the Preventing Violent Extremism has rage regional leaders to address Lake Chad Basin Committee have also already started in the Lake the Boko Haram crisis in a holistic greatly helped to push countries Chad Basin countries. The UN’s manner, taking into account eco- to work together, overcome dis- Counter-Terrorism Committee is nomic, social, political, and reli- trust, and share intelligence. working closely with countries in gious grievances of the affected the region to strengthen regional populations. Since 2015, the two In the humanitarian field, advo- cooperation in the areas of legis- cacy tours by numerous UN enti- SRSGs conducted three joint visits lation, financing of terrorism, law to Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Ni- ties helped raising the profile of enforcement, border control and the crisis and gather support for geria, to come to a shared asses- related areas. Moreover, the UN sment with national authorities a regional response plan targeting is making available expertise to 5.2 million people. Unfortunately, and to identify areas for support. Nigeria to strengthen criminal jus- In that vein, the two SRSGs are only 25 percent of funds needed tice mechanisms to help bring al- have yet been received. also pushing for a regional summit leged perpetrators of terrorist acts by ECOWAS and ECCAS to energize On the critical issue of human ri- to justice. the region’s own resources. ghts, Special Rapporteurs dispat- UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 3 UNOWAS, MISAHEL, Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) discuss the security situation of the region As part of his joint visit in Chad with President Buyoya, Head of the African Union Mission for Mali and the Sahel (MISAHEL), on 5 August, the UN Special Representative of the Secretay-General (SRSG), Mohamed Ibn Chambas, met with the Executive Secretary of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Head of mission of the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Mr. Sanusi Abdullahi, and the Force Commander of the MNJTF, General Lamidi Adeosun. affected countries, as Chadian officials in particular estimate an annual loss of 30 per cent in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) due to the fall in border/market activities and trade exchanges. In addition to the reopening of trade routes, the SRSG urged his interlocutors to find innovative ways to jump- start the resumption of vital economic activities between Chad and Nigeria, in particular commercial exchanges of meat and agricultural products; the role of the military will remain essential in order to secure the Diffa/Maiduguri and Maiduguri/ N’Djamena axis, increase mine Baga-Sola (Lake Chad) Few fishermen dare venture on the waters of the Lake since the beginning of the Nigerian crisis. Crédit: UN CHAD detection and clearance and ensure proper coordination and his visit followed the SR- Urgency of reopening access and regular sharing of information with SG’s trip to Maiduguri, in trade routes the humanitarian community. north eastern Nigeria, a LCBC and MNJTF officials raised few days earlier, to assess In this regard, the officials exchanged views on the critical the problem posed by Improvised theT efforts of national authorities, Explosive Devices (IEDs) as well as factors necessary for the return United Nations (UN) agencies, more sophisticated Unexploded Non-governmental organizations of the displaced population who has sought refuge in Maiduguri Ordnances (UXOs) spread on the (NGOs) to address the humanita- roads in Borno State; and expressed rian crisis. The discussions with the since 2012, where the number of residents is estimated to have the need for the international LCBC and MNJTF focused on the community to increase its support MNJTF operations “Gama Aiki” in almost tripled, from one million to more than 2.5 million. Borno State to reinforce the existing demining Borno State, in north eastern Ni- activities geria, the assessment of the threat authorities in Nigeria are urging posed by Boko Haram against the these new residents to return to On the military operations’ front, civilian population, security -for their places of origin but obstacles the international community has ces, UN agencies. They also dis- remain: absence of administration, provided additional means to the cussed the attack against the hu- destruction of livelihoods, villages, MNJTF, in particular air surveillance manitarian convoy on 28 July 2016 infrastructure in many liberated and support. Regular exchange on the road between Maiduguri areas have turned many areas as of information and coordination and Bama; and the difficulties en- “ghost towns”. between the Nigerian military countered by humanitarian actors Mr. Ibn Chambas emphasized the and humanitarian actors which to access the affected population, urgency of reopening access and is critical to enable access the including in newly liberated areas trade routes between the four affected population.

4 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 West Africa and the Sahel, key topics of the 71st United Nations General Assembly Session West Africa and the Sahel regions figured prominently in the discussions during the 71st session of the General Assembly, which opened on 19 September 2016 at the United Nations headquarters. Other elements emphasized in many of these discussions concer- ned the importance of regional approaches for the stabilization of the Sahel and a continued com- mitment to support the efforts of the countries of the region to com- bat instability and its root causes, including through the implemen- tation of the United Nations Inte- grated Strategy for the Sahel. Regional approaches Of particular significance was the remark made by President Mu- hammadu Buhari of Nigeria wel- coming intermediaries such as the UN to support the Government’s mediation efforts to secure the release of the Chibok schoolgirls held hostage by the extremist group Boko Haram since 2014. Nigerian refugees arrive on Lake Chad islands in Niger after fleeing attacks in Doron Bagga in Borno state, Nigeria IRC (UNHCR partner in There was also a strong call for south Niger) / September 2014 progress on the implementation of the Agreement for Peace and New York Declaration for lopment were also highlighted in Reconciliation in Mali, signed in Refugees and Migrants the discussions among West Afri- 2015, made by the international was adopted, represen- can leaders during the General As- community at a ministerial mee- ting a major develop- sembly. ting held at UN headquarters on Ament for mapping a route towards 23 September. During the mee- a collective, rights-based response Terrorism was the singular most emphasized challenge by all West ting, the UN Secretary-General to record displacement numbers welcomed the efforts undertaken around the world. In addition, is- African leaders. They expressed serious concern about the ter- to implement the peace agree- sues related to combatting terro- ment and called for clear timelines rism, sustainable development, rorist attacks carried out in West African capitals, the increasingly and benchmarks for its implemen- climate change and addressing tation. the security and humanitarian volatile and dangerous security crises in the Lake Chad basin and developments in northern Mali, The ongoing political crisis in Gui- in Mali were recurrent topics ad- the continuous violence perpetra- nea-Bissau was also addressed dressed by West African leaders. ted by Boko Haram. They deplo- with strong support voiced on the The implementation of the UN red the grave human rights vio- progress made by political leaders Convention to Combat Desertifi- lations committed in connection in Guinea-Bissau with the recent cation, the promotion of new and with such terrorist activities. They signing of an agreement on a six- renewable sources of energy, the expressed commitment to consi- point roadmap to end the political pursuit of post-Ebola recovery, as der enacting and expanding their crisis, facilitated by the Economic well as efforts against corruption counterterrorism laws in respon- Community of West African States and to promote economic deve- se, while at the same time prioriti- (ECOWAS). zing violence prevention.

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 5 Respect of Human Rights principles, a fundamental element in the fight against terrorism The fight against terrorism is necessary, but the respect of human rights principles must be a permanent exigency for States as they are also guarantors of their citizens’ freedoms.

A female student stands in a burnt classroom attacked by Boko Haram in northeastern Nigeria on May 12, 2012. © Getty Images

he Lake Chad Basin region who lived in Nigeria and 127,208 closure of many learning facilities has become one of the internally displaced. in insecure areas near the border. most alarming humanita- In this part of Niger, it is Legislative and administrative rian and security concern estimated that 1 of 3 persons measures Tin Africa, in particular due to mas- is displaced. Reception areas sive population displacements and To deal with terrorist groups, the are often characterized by poor an influx of refugees fleeing areas countries of the Lake Chad Basin living conditions that affect both controlled by Boko Haram, the vio- have all adopted legislative and host communities and displaced lent terrorist and extremist group. administrative measures to fight persons and refugees, and Boko Haram is the perpetrator of terrorism. The National Assembly accentuate the causes of a deep repetitive murderous acts that of Chad, for example, has on 30 humanitarian crisis in the region, have killed thousands of people, July 2016, adopted an anti-terror thus placing people in the Diffa caused loss of property, and ins- law that provides for the death region in a situation of chronic tilled terror in populations in Nige- penalty for terrorism offences. The humanitarian dependence. ria, Cameroon, Niger and Chad. law also extended the time period According to a UNHCR report a person can be held in police According to the United Nations issued in May 2016, the situation custody before being brought High Commissioner for Refugees directly affects civilian populations, before a judge. It went from (UNHCR), the Diffa region, for including vulnerable groups like 48 hours to 30 days renewable example, has three categories women. Children have limited twice by the public prosecutor. of displaced people: more than access to education because Moreover, the law gives a very 82,524 are Nigerian refugees, of already crowded schools in broad definition of terrorism that 31,524 returning Niger nationals neighboring villages and the includes disorderly conduct.

6 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 A man stands outside his destroyed home in Baga, Borno State, Nigeria, following heavy fighting between military forces from Nigeria, Niger and Chad, and Boko Haram. Photo: IRIN/Aminu Abubakar

United Nations re- The various experiences of in the context of the fight against combating terrorism in the terrorism be necessary, justified quests that restrictions countries of the Lake Chad Basin by law and abide by the principle imposed in the context and beyond demonstrate that of proportionality. In all cases a balance between the need to they do not apply to universal of the fight against fight terrorism and the necessity human rights such as the right to terrorism be necessa- to uphold human rights is not life, non-discrimination, the right ry, justified by law and always easy to strike. It is difficult to a fair trial, physical integrity to effectively combat terrorism and the right not to be subjected abide by the principle without limiting the enjoyment to torture. All these elements of proportionality of a number of rights. It is for this constitute peremptory or jus reason that the United Nations cogens norms. States have a responsibility to requests that restrictions imposed protect people from all kinds of threats, including terrorism, errorism is defined as right to physical integrity, free- and within this framework they any act «committed dom of movement and the regularly take measures to fight with intent to cause right to peace and security. terrorist groups or prevent terrorist death or serious in- Many other rights, including acts. They also have an obligation Tjury to civilians or non-comba- social and economic rights, «to ensure that all measures taken tants, the object of which, by may also be affected. to combat terrorism comply with its nature or its context, is to National and international par- their international obligations, intimidate a population or to tners met in Chad claim that particularly laws concerning compel a government or an the victims of Boko Haram in human rights, refugees and international organization to the Lake Chad Basin face si- humanitarian actions. Because perform or refrain from per- gnificant practical obstacles some State measures, taken forming an act». individually or collectively to in accessing justice and exer- combat terrorism may, if not This definition perfectly illus- cise their right to seek redress circumscribed within the limits trates the negative implica- when their rights have been imposed by international human tions of terrorism on human violated following the actions rights laws, constitute obstacles rights. Terrorist actions prima- of a terrorist group. to the enjoyment of fundamental rily violate the right to life, the human rights and freedoms.

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 7 Reportage UNHCR provides a safety net for Nigerians at lakeside camp in Chad Refugees and host community struggle to cope after thousands cross the border in the wake of attacks by Boko Haram militants in north-eastern Nigeria.

Nigerian refugee Hawali Oumar woke up to the sound of gunfire and the sight of his neighbou- rhood in flames when Boko Haram attacked his home town of Baga in north-eastern Nigeria.

Hawali Oumar with his fishing net following a long night of work. © UNHCR/Oualid Khelifi

he 43-year-old fisherman “It was heartbreaking The livelihood programmes consist desperately looked for of providing the means for lake members of his family and when Boko Haram at- fishermen to resume work. Bene- discovered his father had tacked our homes.” ficiaries have so far received ca- Tbeen shot dead. Despite being noes, nets and basic fishing equi- unable to round up all his offs- Thousands of families are sepa- pment. pring, Oumar fled across the bor- rated and unaware of the whe- der to safety in Chad. reabouts of loved ones. Oumar The influx of refugees has stabi- was relieved to be reunited two lized since last year, but the eco- “It was heartbreaking when Boko months ago with his 18-year-old nomy in the lake area has been Haram attacked our homes,” he daughter Miriam. “I never thought dramatically affected. The closure said. “We scattered with nothing I was going to see her again, but of the lake borders with the other but the clothes we had on. I learnt here we are all together,” he said. three countries of the basin – Ni- later that more than 10 people in “She is back at school and we are geria, Cameroon and Niger – has my extended family were killed. all hoping to gradually restore an depressed fishing, herding and far- Some of the survivors amongst us ordinary life.” ming, and brought regional trade ended up in Cameroon, others in almost to a standstill. These are vi- Chad, but it took over a year to re- While the Chadian army and a tal sectors in and around Bagasola, establish contact with everybody.” joint regional task force continue the Chadian town that hosts Dar to combat Boko Haram in provin- es Salam camp and most of the re- More than 5,000 Nigerians have ces around the lake, UNHCR, the fugees who have fled into Chad to found refuge In Dar es Salam UN Refugee Agency, is focusing on escape the Boko Haram threat in camp on the Chadian side of Lake protection, shelter and education. Nigeria.. Chad after fleeing horrific violence This involves extending livelihood in December 2014. A total of 2.4 programmes and enlarging the “I lost my father and million people in north-eastern Ni- pool of refugees who have bene- geria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger fited from assistance to resume many others in the at- have been displaced as a result of economic activity and achieve the Boko Haram insurgency.. tacks. I think about it self-reliance. all the time.”

8 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 Nigerian refugees continue as fishermen, often in partnership with their Chadian counterparts from the host community. © UNHCR/Oualid Khelifi

More funding is needed so that been conducted to log skill sets of existing beneficiaries whose more fishermen, farmers, herders and the previous professions of operations have been going very and traders from the refugee and refugees. well, hence the need for bigger local communities can be inclu- boats and nets to increase their ded. According to Docteur Koussoum- output and strive towards full self- bi, livelihood associate officer at reliance. We are looking at these Oumar is one of the beneficiaries. the UNHCR office in Bagasola, the options, but we are facing signifi- “I am grateful to be given the tools self-reliance programme has been cant funding constraints.” to resume my work,” he said. “I am successful for the 150 households a fisherman, so if I could survive that have benefited so far. They Climate change is also having a fishing in Nigeria, I can do it here now have expertise in all aspects profound effect on communities in Chad. But if we had more man- of fishing, from operating the around Lake Chad, including re- power in this programme, bigger equipment to selling and distribu- fugees. Because of the vulnerabi- nets and better equipment, we ting the produce. lity of the lake’s environment and would quickly grow independent fluctuation in rainfall, livelihood of aid, and lift the entire town, re- “I am grateful to be programmes are a priority for the fugees and locals together, from humanitarian community in both economic depression.” given the tools to re- policy and funding. For UNHCR and its partners, pro- sume my work.” The surface area of the lake has viding livelihood support so that “The challenge now is twofold,” shrunk to less than one twentieth the limited resources around Ba- he said. “First, to enroll more hou- of its size in the 1960s and invasive gasola are shared out is essential seholds into the programme and plant species cover about 50 per- to achieving sustainability and co- provide them with basic canoes cent of what is left. The vegetation hesion between refugees and the and tools to jump-start their activi- takes root on the lake floor during host community. A survey has ties. Second, to meet the demands dry seasons and when the water level rises after rainfall, it blocks off the shore, preventing commu- nities from sailing their boats. “This is a new worrying phenome- non,” said Koussoumbi. “It is beco- ming more difficult for fishermen to go out in the lake. The plants also break the nets and disrupt fishing activities.»

A local Chadian villager finishes washing her last big catch of the day. © UNHCR/Oualid Khelifi By UNHCR

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 9 From Nigeria to Cameroon: a journey through hunger When death is chasing you and your family, you got to run to stay alive. Dzam-Dzam escaped Boko Haram but new dangers were waiting around the corner. were taken in by the communities. There, she immediately took her young boy to the community health centre, where UNICEF and its par- tners are running programmes to combat a severe nutrition crisis. 2.2% of all children in the Far North Region of Cameroon are suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The caseload is beyond the emergency threshold. This part of Cameroon is dry, bla- zingly hot and clean water is scar- ce- even before the Boko Haram conflict started. The massive influx of IDPs fleeing violence – more than 190,000 according to the UN High Commissioner for Refugees - has

Dzam-Dzam and his son. Photo: UNICEF / Simon Minville placed additional pressure on limi- ted resources. It is estimated that more than 65,000 children are at he attack from Boko Haram pound and like a miracle they did risk of dying from hunger. was brutal and unexpected. not storm the house. “I saw shadows in my bac- After a few visits to the health kyard. And then everything “We immediately escaped’, centre, Dzam-Dzam’s son started Tcollapsed.” said Dzam-Dzam. ‘We star- gaining weight. He is now out of danger. “I would like to tell other In the village of Boza, in the Nor- ted running, running, wi- mothers who are suffering in Nige- thern part of Nigeria where Dzam- thout turning back.” ria or on the move to come here”, Dzam, her husband and their four It was only a week later that Dzam- said Dzam-Dzam. “Here, people young boys were living since they Dzam learnt from other displaced really take care of children. Look at migrated from neighbouring Came- people she met on the road that her my son, he is in good health now.” roon a few years before, seeking two children who stayed back had a better life in a region with more been killed. But there was no time Recent security improvements now work opportunities. “Life was good for mourning: her three- year- old allow UNICEF’s teams to reach vul- there’, she recalls. ‘Until that day was losing weight rapidly and her nerable people in previously cut when war found us.” seven-year- old, was showing alar- off areas. In September, a large nu- trition survey (SMART survey) was It was in the hours between light ming signs of sickness. launched. The survey will cover, for turn into darkness. Dzam-Dzam’s “He died before we reached the the first time since the beginning of husband was taking a shower border,” said Dzam-Dzam, her the Boko Haram crisis in Cameroon, behind the house. She was in her eyes filled with deep sadness. ‘But the totality of the Far North Region kitchen, with two of her boys, while I just had to keep walking. On the of the country. her other children were staying at a road, everyone was starving, and I relative’s home, outside the village. couldn’t find food for my young boy, “Every day, new needs are brought to light’, said Dr Goman. ‘We are Suddenly, she heard gunshots. She nor myself.’ scaling up our response as much as looked through the window, and After seven days of walking, deter- our budgets allows us, to do wha- saw her husband shot dead. For mined to save her last living son, tever we can to ensure not a single minutes which felt like hours, she Dzam-Dzam reached the village of child is left behind.” hid with her two children under a Zamaï, a safe haven where hundreds table. The insurgents left the com- By UNICEF of Internally Displaced People (IDPs)

10 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 Interview Toby Lanzer: “The Lake Chad Basin today witnesses the greatest tragedy of its history” On the margins of the 71st UN General Assembly, held in New York, a mini-summit was devoted to the humanitarian situation in the Lake Chad Basin. Toby Lanzer, the Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel talks about the efforts of States in the region, as well as of the international community, to help the populations cope with this alarming situation. Are you satisfied with the quality of reactions from States in the re- gion and the international com- munity to resolve this crisis? States affected by the crisis are committed at presidential and mi- nisterial levels. They are fully awa- re of the magnitude of this crisis and the international community must now follow suit. Four do- nors: the , the United Kingdom, Belgium and Italy have committed additional funds, while Germany has also shown support, including at the financial level. Our response, all of us, UN agencies, local or international NGOs, local Toby Lanzer, Regional Humanitarian Coordinator for the Sahel authorities, governments and do- nors, has so far been inadequate. What are the major features of 65,000 people in northeastern After the call for funds that goes this crisis? Nigeria face a situation compara- with the humanitarian response ble to a state of hunger (Phase 5 plan we have developed for the As the President of the Republic of the Harmonized Framework). region, we now need, for three of Chad, Idriss Déby, said when he The number of displaced persons months only, more funds than es- was in New York for the 71st UN has reached 2.6 million and more timated in January for the whole General Assembly, «the Lake Chad than half a million children are of 2016. We need to quickly in- basin today witnesses the greatest malnourished. Many are in camps crease our response level. The lon- tragedy of its history». In recent for displaced people or in informal ger we wait, the greater the needs months, Boko Haram attacks have settlements where people live in will be. certainly been fewer, but they now horrific conditions. They are in a What do you do to ensure that cover a larger territory, targeting humanitarian emergency among the entire subregion. the region you cover has the at- the worst I have seen in my entire tention, and subsequently the as- Moreover, if there has been no- career. sistance, of donors? table military advances, at the humanitarian level, on the other «Our response, all of us, Yes indeed, one of the observa- hand, the situation is getting -wor UN agencies, local or in- tions that led to the organization se. In a region covering 4 different of the World Humanitarian Sum- countries with 21 million inhabi- ternational NGOs, local mit in Istanbul last May is that hu- tants, almost 1 of 3 individuals fa- authorities, governments manitarian crises seem to multiply and last longer. Responses to call ces food insecurity. This is almost and donors, has so far the population of the Republic for funds launched by the United of Congo. And more seriously, been inadequate» Nations on average cover only 45 per cent of the needs. Some recei-

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 11 Bada, Kako, 3 years old, and other IDP children in the village of Tagal, Lake Chad region, Chad. Photo: UNICEF ve less than 5 per cent in funding. It tries, no humanitarian crisis can completely revised twice this is therefore easy to conclude that be resolved. summer by UN agencies and there are not enough resources to NGO partners. All agencies have finance all the response plans and We will ‘put an end to the needs’ increased their technical and meet the needs of all the crises. only if the root causes of the crisis personal capacity. The plan covers But, in my opinion, this would be are addressed. And we must reco- all aspects and therefore all a wrong conclusion. gnize today that no country in the sectors, including specific response region can cope alone with current to refugees. However, the funding «It is possible to resolve but also future challenges. Nigeria, of the response plan has not yet for example, would need to attain many crises today if we reached 30 per cent. Agencies and an 11 per cent growth rate in order partners are therefore ready to act do not wait for them to to meet the needs of a population and we hope donors’ response will become acute or strike that is expected to double in the be forthcoming. next 30 years. This is impossible for at our doorstep to react» any country, and it means that we If you were to decide on a priority The crisis in the Lake Chad Basin are likely to witness considerable to resolve the crisis/improve the is undoubtedly one of the best impoverishment of populations in situation, what would it be? the region and a significant risk of examples. Since I was appointed In the humanitarian sector, all Regional Humanitarian Coordina- increasing social, economic and political tensions. sectors are priorities and it is for tor, I have constantly toured ca- this reason that we must always pitals and multiplied trips to the «Without real political demonstrate coordination and most inaccessible affected areas to synergy in urgent responses. But draw attention to this prominent will in the affected coun- security remains, above all, THE bruise on the African continent. tries but also from the priority. We estimate that there The wound is now gaping and can- international community are still at least one million people not be treated with a plaster. My we cannot provide help to becau- colleagues and I are multiplying to support these coun- se they are in physically inaccessi- efforts to avoid total anesthesia, if tries, no humanitarian ble areas. But the peoples of the you allow me the metaphor. crisis can be resolved» Lake Chad Basin are among the But we must always remember most resilient in the world. They that humanitarian aid is only tem- Beyond long-term assistance, also need to be able to return to porary support for populations fa- what are the concrete measures farm their land and feel that they cing a crisis. Without real political put in place by the United Nations can regain control of their future will in the affected countries but to help affected populations face rather than having to be assisted. this crisis situation? also from the international com- Interview conducted in November 2016 munity to support these coun- The response plan has been

12 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 Infography : Internally Displaced Persons and Refugees in Lake Chad Basin

oko Haram’s long-running violence and military counter- offensivesB have affected 21 million people living across the Lake Chad Basin. The suicide bombings, raids on villages and towns have uprooted 2.4 million people in Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria. The majority of the displaced has been sheltered by communities who themselves count among the world’s most vulnerable. Food insecurity and malnutrition have reached critical levels. The combined effect of growing insecurity, fast population growth and severe vulnerability resulting from a changing climate, environmental degradation, poverty and under-investment in social services is translating into record numbers of people in need of emergency relief. In 2016, nearly half of the region’s population needed humanitarian aid, and UN agencies and NGOs aimed to reach 6 million people with assistance. While the humanitarian response focuses on addressing immediate needs to save lives, humanitarians call for concerted engagement of political, development and security actors to help stabilize the region and create conditions for people to survive and prosper.

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 13 Portrait Fatima Kyari Mohammed, The sense of commitment

Nigeria and West Africa are topics dear to Fatima Kyari Mohammed. It is almost a personal affair in which mingle sincere emotion and active citizen engagement.

ince her early student days, Fatima Kyari Mo- hammed has been nou- rished by reflections and Sideas on the political history of Nigeria that have enabled her to shape her views on the impor- tance of the individual in deve- lopment, and her involvement a few years later in Nigerian civil society. «If history makes sense, it is necessary that Nigeria and the whole region move towards a common destiny of progress», she says by way of introduction, almost as a need for clarification. This Nigerian woman who, in ad- dition to English, speaks French, Hausa and Kanuri and has basic knowledge of Arabic and Spanish, Fatima Kyari Mohammed: Civil Society Activist in Nigeria as a result of her childhood spent abroad as a diplomat’s daughter. especially women, at the core of «We cannot achieve so- Fatima Kyari Mohammed is from all political and economic activi- a Muslim family from north-east ties. For her, it is not just a mat- cial and economic pro- Nigeria. Her mother is Shuwa- ter of equality, it is also a strategic gress if half of our ca- Arab and her father a Kanuri. She necessity. «We cannot achieve pacity is ignored and was naturally required to abide social and economic progress if by the codes imposed on her by a half of our capacity is ignored and unused,» family and society dominated by unused,» says Fatima Kyari Mo- The reality in her country, Nige- men, without abandoning reflec- hammed. ria, commonly referred to as «the tions that place the community, great economic power of the continent», is an unprecedented struggle against blind Boko Haram terrorism, a long-lasting Niger Delta rebellion, and an economic recession that is likely to plunge the country in a deep crisis. But for Fatima Kyari Mohammed, this situation cannot constitute the destiny of a people. Nigerians voted for change in 2015 and de- monstrated their commitment to peace and democracy. Better yet, political alternation took place in a responsible spirit and through responsible acts. «Voting at this

14 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 point in our history was a deci- If governments must always do more and quickly. «Our goal is to sive act of commitment in favor more to meet the needs of the help citizens actively participate of Nigeria’s progress and develo- people, Fatima Kyari Mohammed in building a peaceful, fair and pment» insists Fatima Kyari Mo- believes that every citizen can just society by encouraging self- hammed. and must contribute to peace and reliance and sustainable develop- development. ment projects”. Her sense of responsibility and commitment allowed her to It is with this mindset that the Thanks to the collaboration and consolidate her ideas, including organization she runs, the Like- support of several companies, or- through a move to ECOWAS that Minds Project, has been able to ganizations, and individuals, the marked her professional engage- carry out several projects for the organization achieves its objec- ment and fostered her commit- benefit of the population, in par- tives through two key programs: ment to her country and the re- ticular those affected by Boko Ha- «Volunteers for Peace» and «Vul- gion. ram attacks. nerable Communities». The pro- grams have provided targeted For over a decade, she has worked «Our goal is to help citi- support, including empowerment with ECOWAS in different capaci- zens actively participate and inclusion of women, vulnera- ties on issues of regional security, ble children and orphans. organizational development, and in building a peaceful, regional integration. In her quest Beyond its usefulness, Fatima to do more and according to her fair and just society by Kyari Mohammed’s determina- “breach the gap between policy encouraging self-relian- tion to improve the situation of and community” Fatima Kyari Mo- ce and sustainable deve- vulnerable communities inaugu- hammed decided to launch her rates a salutary change in deve- own NGO, the LikeMinds Project lopment projects» lopment thinking. From now on, in 2006. It is a milestone in the life With direct help to more than she and many others like her will of this civil activist who continues, 50,000 families in the States of play a major role in “the promo- with a number of friends, to work Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Fatima tion of peace and development in on peace and justice in Nigeria. Kyari Mohammed wants to do West Africa».

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 15 UNOWAS in Brief

«Cross-cutting issues in peace operations» at the heart of a training in A training on «Cross-cutting and related issues in peace bregion and European partners, was an opportunity to operations» was held from 28 November to 2 Decem- reflect on issues related to the operationalization of a ber 2016 in Dakar, . This meeting was co-orga- collective security. The objective of the training was to nized by the Ministry of the strengthen the capabilities of military experts assigned and the Ministry of Defense of Austria and supported to the assessment, design, development, implementa- by the United Nations Office for West Africa and the tion, monitoring and evaluation of peace support ope- Sahel (UNOWAS). This regional forum, which brought rations. together senior officers from the countries of the su-

SRSG Ibn Chambas calls on the International Community to support the CNMC The Special Representative of the United Nations Se- «The work of the CNMC is a leading example in the pre- cretary-General for West Africa and the Sahel, and vention of conflict and peaceful resolution of border Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed Commission disputes. The support of the international community (CNMC), Mr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, conducted an of- to completing the physical demarcation of the border ficial visit to four European capitals: Brussels, Paris, Lon- will help consolidate peace between the two neigh- don and Berlin from 17 to 24 October 2016. bours,» said Mr. Ibn Chambas. The SRSG informed that both countries remain committed to complete this his- The objective of the visit was to inform respective go- torical endeavour. vernment partners and development institutions on the importance of the role played by the CNMC as a peaceful During his working visits, Mr. Ibn Chambas met with va- resolution mechanism which was established following rious senior officials of the European Union in Brussels, the decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in and with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs in Paris, Lon- 2002 on the settlement of the border dispute between don and Berlin. All the interlocutors expressed support Cameroon and Nigeria; and to solicit their support to for the work of the CNMC and for the efforts of Mr. Ibn complete the remaining work of the physical demarca- Chambas to help the two neighbours complete the phy- tion of the land border, as well as to launch socio-eco- sical demarcation of their border. nomic projects to assist affected populations.

Women of West Africa and the Sahel in solidarity with the people of Niger From 25 to 30 September 2016, UNOWAS coordinated Consolidation of Peace, the Minister for the Empower- the annual solidarity mission in Niger of the Women, ment of Women, the First Lady of Niger, the President Peace and Security Working Group in West Africa (WP- of the Parliament as well as women parliamentarians, SWG - WA). This visit was the 5th edition of solidarity the Minister of Youth, the African Network of women actions of the Working Group after those in favor of Ministers and parliamentarians of Niger (REFAMP-Ni- Mali in 2012, Guinea in 2013, Guinea Bissau in 2014 and ger), the National Youth Council, women’s associations, Nigeria in 2015. The Delegation of the WPSWG - WA networks and platforms. had Working sessions with the High Authority for the

Launching of UMOJA C5 pilot within UNOWAS With the implementation of UMOJA C5 on 1st Novem- enables the United Nations to operate more effectively ber 2016, all categories off staff and non-staff person- by integrating and streamlining numerous business nel (international staff members, national staff- mem processes within a single, global solution for the entire bers, individual contractors, consultants and uniformed Secretariat. It is a complete re-working of the way the personnel) are administered in UMOJA. All the human United Nations Secretariat manages its administration, resources constituting the best asset of the Organiza- in both business processes and Information Technology tion are administered the central administrative system solutions. Umoja replaces multiple and fragmented le- which UMOJA. Umoja is an administrative reform that gacy systems such as IMIS, Mercury and Sun.

16 UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 Bureau des Nations Unies pour l’Afrique de l’Ouest et le Sahel

12 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT UNOWAS

UNOWAS is a Special Political Mission of the United Nations Department of 1 Political Affairs.

UNOWAS was established in January 2016 following the request by the United 2 Nations Security Council to merge the United Nations Office for West Africa (UNOWA) and the Office of the Special Envoy for the Sahel (OSES)

UNOWAS is led by the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary- 3 General, M. Mohamed Ibn Chambas

M. Mohamed Ibn Chambas is also the Chairman of the Cameroon-Nigeria Mixed 4 Commission (CNMC)

The main activities of UNOWAS are: preventive diplomacy; good offices; strengthening of coordination and partnership with regional organizations; facilitation of the implementation of the UNISS; promotion of good governance, 5 human rights and gender mainstreaming; facilitation of the implementation of the International Court of Justice decision on the border dispute between Cameroon and Nigeria.

UNOWAS relies on a regional partnership. It works with ECOWAS, the G5 Sahel, the Mano River Union, the Commission of the Lake Chad Basin, the African Union, 6 the United Nations System, civil society organizations and others entities.

UNOWAS facilitates the implementation of the United Nations Integrated Strategy 7 for the Sahel (UNISS) 8 UNISS has three pillars: Governance, Security, Development and Resilience UNOWAS has seven (07) components: Political Affairs; Regional Coordination and 9 Partnerships; Human Rights; Gender; Research and Analysis; Liaison Cell; Public Information and Communication. 10 UNOWAS has a liaison Cell in Nouakchott (Mauritania) to support the G5 Sahel. UNOWAS is a regional mission. It covers 17 countries: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cabo- 11 Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, , Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, , Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, , Togo and (Chad).

Countries covered by the mandate of UNOWAS represent 7,428,527 square 12 kilometers with a population of 339,158,813

UNOWAS E-magazine - №2 December 2016 17 Together for Peace