Militancy may become chronic problem around Lake Chad

Significance

Sparsely populated and usually peripheral to the surrounding countries (Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria), the Lake Chad area has been affected by the spillover of the Boko Haram conflict. In recent months, international aid organisations have warned of a rising risk of a famine crisis in the region.

Impacts

• Sporadic terrorist attacks on civilian targets will remain a risk.
• Returns of refugees and displaced persons will be haphazard.
• Investment in Lake Chad development initiatives -- such as a proposed linkage with the Congo Basin -- will lag far behind plans.