Regardless of the possible cessation of conflict, populations have already sustained lifelong losses and damages. Millions of lives have been upended by both climate change and conflict. Lake Chad has receded to an extent where livelihood loss is almost permanent. Lake renewal is only possible if seasonal rains and optimal temperatures arrive when expected and are sustained over a long period. This has not happened in decades and we now know that global warming and climate change are unlikely to allow that to return.

At the same time, the significant underdevelopment of the population in this region renders them unable to adapt to new vocations. Cultural loss is significant and violates Indigenous, economic, social and cultural rights, while food insecurity is endemic.