LocationsLaunching of the Japan-UNDP Regional Stabilization Facility Partnership in the Lake Chad Basin
May 11, 2023
UNDP-CMR-Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr TAKAOKA Nozomu, UNDP Resident Representative, Mr Aliou Mamadou Dia, and the Governor of the Far-North Region, Mr. Midjiyawa Bakary-2023
Yaoundé, 04 May 2023 –The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Regional Stabilization Facility (RSF) in the Lake Chad Basin and the Government of Japan launched a partnership agreement to support the restoration of basic social and productive infrastructure, livelihood opportunities, and social cohesion activities in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The launch ceremony was presided over by UNDP Cameroon Resident Representative, Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, Head of the Regional Stabilization Facility, Ms. Blerta Cela, and the Government of Japan, represented by its Ambassador to Cameroon and Chad, H.E. Mr. TAKAOKA Nozomu.
The new partnership officially launched the start of the RSF project components funded by the Japan Supplementary Budget, and the advancement of strategic collaboration between Japan, UNDP, and the Governments of Cameroon, Chad, and Niger. The partnership agreement, amounting to 3.036 million USD, from the Japan Supplementary Budget (JSB), will cover a period of one year. This is in addition to 260 million JPY contribution by the Government of Japan to the RSF Cameroon national window in early 2022.
The Lake Chad Basin region faces a multi-dimensional crisis, with the ongoing insecurity related to violence perpetrated by Boko Haram factions compounded by the climate emergency and natural disasters. This has led to the loss of lives and livelihoods, food insecurity, forced displacement, and changes in mobility patterns, which have in turn led to competition over scarce natural resources and pressure on public services. In particular, the borderland communities in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger have a long history of socio-economic marginalisation, limited state presence, and weak governance.
UNDP-CMR- Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Mr TAKAOKA Nozomu during the signing of the partnership-2023
In response, UNDP set up the Regional Stabilisation Facility (RSF) for the Lake Chad Basin area in July 2019 as a time-bound, localised, and integrated mechanism to operationalize the Regional Strategy for the Stabilisation, Recovery, and Resilience of the Boko Haram-affected Areas of the Lake Chad Basin (RSS). The purpose of the RSF is to improve the social contract between the State and communities, laying the foundations for longer-term peacebuilding and development programmes.
Despite the early impacts and enormous achievements of the RSF across the region, the recent degradation of the security situation as well as the unprecedented floods during the 2022 rainy season threaten to reverse stabilisation gains and call for urgent action to support populations in need.
The 12-month new project will focus on enhancing essential social service infrastructure, immediate livelihood opportunities, and cross-border cooperation, coordination, and dialogue in Cameroon, Chad, and Niger, thereby contributing to the immediate stabilisation of target sites and the human security of affected communities.
UNDP-CMR-RR, Mr Aliou Mamadou Dia, during the signing of the partnership-2023
“The first project I signed as the Ambassador to Cameroon was the Project for Lake Chad Stabilisation, launched in early 2022. I am delighted to be back again and sign another RSF project which will contribute to the people in the region”. H.E. Mr. TAKAOKA Nozomu Ambassador of Japan to Cameroon.
"UNDP is pleased to renew its highly valued partnership with the Government of Japan for the continued support of its stabilisation actions in the Lake Chad Region. As usual, our teams will work closely with the Government, partners, and communities for the quality achievement of the funding objectives." Aliou Mamadou Dia, Resident Representative, UNDP Cameroon.
"The Japan partnership with the UNDP Regional Stabilisation Facility will directly impact the lives of the people in the Lake Chad Region. Through the construction and rehabilitation of essential social and economic services and infrastructure, such as schools, health centres, renewable energy sources, cross-border initiatives, and direct livelihoods for women, youth, and communities, it will lay the foundation for peace and development in the region and beyond." Blerta Cela, Director of the Regional Stabilisation Facility.
UNDP-CMR-A cross-section of personalities at the ceremony: Ambassador of Japan-TAKAOKA Nozomu, UNDP RR-Mr. Aliou Mamadou Dia, Head of the Regional Stabilization Facility-Ms. Blerta Cela, and the Governor of the Far-North Region-Mr. Midjiyawa Bakary, and MINEPAT Rep -2023
