Tackling Terrorism for Socio-Economic Development in Lake Chad: Policy Implications for Sustainable Peace
Zainab Gimba. Ph.D.

Abstract
Terrorism presents a real threat to Lake Chad region and has continuously deteriorated as violent conflict and human suffering have marked parts of Nigeria and Niger, Chad and Cameroon for the better part of a decade. Boko Haram raids and suicide bombings targeting civilian populations have destroyed vital infrastructure, threatening entire economies and preventing people from earning their livelihoods. This paper critically examines the pertinent issue of terrorism in Lake Chad region and its implications for socio-economic development. Although, the government’s claim is that the insurgency has been degraded, available data on the level and dimensions of insecurity in the region reveals an increase over time, which constitutes serious widespread trauma, suffering and displacement of women and children. Thus, the paper upholds that the current threat to lives and properties in Lake Chad region hinders economic activities and discourages local and foreign investors which stifles and retards sustainable development in the region. Also, the paper leverages on descriptive and content analysis research design upon which secondary data are primly used. Within the context of policy framework, cosmopolitanism is employed to explain feasible solutions to the rising wave of insecurity in Lake Chad. In the light of the above, the paper prescribes an immediate decisive action to muster the resources required to develop creative and effective responses in dealing with security issues to achieve sustainable development in the region. However, a high level of political will is required from leaders in the region for there to be a sustainable peace and chance of success in socio-economic development of Lake Chad.

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