KANEMPRESS BULLETIN 124 Governor Zulum’s Peace Legacy: A New Chapter Shaping Africa’s Future

*…………..Borno Governor’s Leadership Sets Standard In Africa*



*……….Reconnecting the Dots of Kanem-Borno Legacy*


*By Zannah Ibrahim Mustapha Editor -In -Chief Kanempress Digital Hub 10th March 2025*


In the arid heart of Nigeria’s northeastern corner, where years of insurgency have left deep scars on the land and its people, Borno State stands as an unlikely symbol of hope. Under the leadership of Governor Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, the region has emerged as an exemplar in peacebuilding, attracting attention from across the Sahel and beyond.

Recently, a high-level delegation from Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger visited Maiduguri, Borno’s capital, to study the state’s unique approach to peacebuilding. The team, representing their respective governments and several peace-focused organizations, sought to uncover the secret behind the Borno Model, a strategy that has demonstrated resilience in the face of adversity, and its potential for replication across West and Central Africa’s most conflict-ridden sports.

Governor Zulum’s governance style is characterized by pragmatism, inclusivity, and an strong commitment to rebuilding Borno after the violent insurgency. His approach has managed to navigate the complex terrain of security challenges, displacement, and economic hardship, with the ultimate goal of restoring peace, dignity, and sustainability to the people of Borno. What makes his leadership particularly appealing, and why is it garnering interest from across the Sahel?

*A Model of Trust and Resilience*

Borno’s success in mitigating insurgency lies in the deep trust between the government and its people—an ingredient often missing in conflict-ridden areas. Governor Zulum has continuously emphasized the importance of public trust in his leadership. By prioritizing transparency and collaboration with local communities, he has been able to foster a sense of ownership among the people, making them partners in their own recovery.

At the heart of Zulum’s model is a focus on addressing the root causes of violence. Recognizing that insurgency thrives in conditions of poverty, neglect, and injustice, Zulum’s administration has ensured that government resources are distributed equitably, reaching the most vulnerable communities. His comprehensive approach integrates security, economic rehabilitation, and social services, such as education, healthcare, and agriculture, ensuring that the rebuilding process does not just end with a cessation of violence but results in the restoration of basic human dignity.

“Peace cannot thrive in a vacuum,” Governor Zulum remarked during his address to the visiting delegation. “You need to build bridges of trust, offer support to victims, and create opportunities for all citizens to rebuild their lives.”

*Engaging Local Leaders and Religious Leaders*

Borno’s peacebuilding success owes much to Zulum’s strategy of involving local and religious leaders in the process. These community-based influencers—traditional rulers, elders, and clerics—are integral to reconciling divisions and fostering understanding in a deeply fractured society. By working hand-in-hand with local leaders, Zulum has avoided the top-down approach often seen in traditional governance, instead promoting an inclusive process that takes into account the cultural and religious fabric of the state.

This strategy of engaging the grassroots has proven vital in the reintegration of former insurgents, many of whom were initially drawn to extremism due to socio-economic despair and ideological manipulation. Zulum’s government has facilitated a system of de-radicalization and reintegration that goes beyond mere physical rehabilitation. His government has implemented programs that offer psychosocial support, vocational training, and access to livelihoods for former fighters and their families. Through the military-led Operation Safe Corridor, repentant Boko Haram members have been given a pathway to reintegrate into society, building a future beyond violence.

*International Recognition and Regional Impact*

The Borno Model has earned recognition not only within Nigeria but across the broader African continent. The visit of the peacebuilding delegation from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger is clear testimony to the growing international interest in the state’s approach to conflict resolution. These countries, each grappling with its own security crises, see Borno’s experience as a blueprint for peacebuilding in regions dominated by extremist groups.

Brigadier General Yusuf Ali, the leader of the visiting delegation, commended the Borno State government for its innovative approach to peacebuilding. “We are here to learn, not just from a theoretical standpoint, but from a practical and proven model,” Ali said during the team’s visit to the Government House Maiduguri. “The way Borno has managed to combine military, civil, and community efforts provides us with valuable lessons in reconciliation, security, and governance.”

Borno’s success in navigating these choppy waters has led other African nations to look to the state for guidance, including the establishment of networks like the Alliance for Sahel and partnerships with NGOs working to combat extremism. As Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger continue to face mounting security threats from militant groups, the Borno model offers a glimmer of hope.

*The Role of Military and Civil Cooperation*

A key feature of Borno’s peacebuilding strategy is its emphasis on collaboration between the military and civilian sectors. Unlike many regions, where the military’s involvement in governance can exacerbate divisions, Zulum’s government has ensured that the military plays a supportive and coordinated role in the reconstruction efforts. This military-civilian partnership has not only been critical in securing the state but also in providing a sense of safety for displaced populations who have returned to their homes.

Governor Zulum’s leadership has also relied on the strong cooperation between national agencies like the Office of the National Security Adviser and international bodies. These collaborations have helped align resources and strategies, ensuring that Borno’s peacebuilding efforts are both effective and sustainable.

*Looking Forward*

Governor Zulum’s vision for Borno State is clear: to create a model of sustainable peace that not only rebuilds the state but also becomes a beacon of hope for the entire Sahel region. As Borno continues to recover from the scars of insurgency, Zulum’s model provides a framework that other conflict-ridden nations in Africa are keen to learn from.

In the years to come, Borno may well serve as a blueprint for peacebuilding across the continent—proving that even in the darkest corners of conflict, leadership, trust, and collaboration can turn the tide toward a brighter, more peaceful future.

For now, the lessons learned from Zulum’s approach will reverberate across the Sahel and beyond, as neighboring nations look to replicate this success and chart their own path toward peace.

Kanempress Digital Hub, and its partners in the last 3 years trained over 1000 women, youths and community leaders within the Lakechad sectors of Borno and Yobe States.  On the critical areas of Education empowerment, Cultural preservation/Heritage, Artificial Intelligence, WASH, Climate Change,  Media/Digital literacy, mindset initiative, leadership skills, gender mainstreaming and General societal impactful values system. For inquiries, collaborations, and opportunities to get involved, please contact us at kanempress1@gmail.com or kanempressdigitalhub@gmail.com or our direct line 0806 169 2535