Nigeria Calls for Collective Action at the OIC’s 51st Council of Foreign Ministers Session
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has called for collective action to address pressing global issues. The call at the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Member States, by Ambassador Dunoma Umar Ahmed, Nigeria’s Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a session, themed “The OIC in a Transforming World,” provided a platform for member states to discuss and find solutions to the challenges facing the world today.
Ambassador Ahmed highlighted the array of global challenges facing the OIC, including armed conflicts, terrorism, and climate change, particularly impacting member states in the Sahel and Middle East regions.
He stressed the importance of achieving peace and security, along with sustainable development for every individual, by protecting communities from the devastating impacts of war and conflict.
The Ambassador emphasized the need for OIC member states to prioritize the reinforcement of institutions that uphold human rights and dignity for all, working decisively to eradicate any forms of aggression and oppression against sovereign states.
Ambassador Ahmed called for urgent and resolute action to address the crises in the Sahel and Middle East, which bear significant global implications and necessitate immediate attention and prompt action.
He then urged all parties involved in the ongoing crisis in Sudan to engage in dialogue to resolve the conflict, which has led to the tragic loss of countless lives and an unacceptable humanitarian catastrophe impacting millions.
The Ambassador encouraged all parties involved in the rising tensions between Iran and the United States to return to the negotiation table promptly, emphasizing the necessity of sustained diplomatic dialogue to mitigate hostilities and pave the way for a lasting and peaceful resolution.
On Palestine, Ambassador Ahmed referenced President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s statement at the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit in Saudi Arabia, recognizing the protracted conflict in Palestine has resulted in immense suffering for many.
He emphasized that as representatives of nations that cherish justice, dignity, and the sanctity of human life, OIC member states share a moral obligation to collectively work towards ending the conflict.
The Ambassador stressed that humanitarian aid is not a privilege but a fundamental human right, and everyone deserves access to assistance in times of crisis.
Nigeria’s position through Ambassador Ahmed’s statement underscored the importance of collective action and cooperation among OIC member states to address the pressing global issues facing the world today. By working together, member states can promote peace, security, and sustainable development, and uphold human rights and dignity for all.
