The important role of civil society in contributing to stabilization efforts, preventing violent extremism and facilitating inclusive reintegration, particularly in fragile and conflict-ridden regions, has been well recognized by the United Nations. Civil society organizations (CSOs) are often more knowledgeable, experienced and trusted by local communities than state institutions, which cements their central role in achieving peace and development in areas of protracted conflict. With this in mind, in June 2021, the Lake Chad Basin Civil Society Organizations’ Network on Inclusive Reintegration, in collaboration with UNDP was launched.

The Network is envisioned to create stronger societal alliances, enhance offline and online cooperation, beginning with primary engagements in the Lake Chad Basin region with key actors in the Screening Prosecution Rehabilitation and Reintegration (SPRR), Community-based Reintegration, Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) domains with an ambition to facilitate exchanges with similar sub-regional platforms on the continent and complement existing civil society structures in the Lake Chad Basin.