By Fatou Sanneh & Lamin Njie
At the recently concluded 15th Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), the OIC reiterated its steadfast support and solidarity with the people of Jammu and Kashmir in their pursuit of self-determination. The final communiqué issued at the summit emphasised the importance of honoring the relevant UN Security Council resolutions in resolving the longstanding dispute over the region.
OICreiterated its continued political, moral, and diplomatic support to the Kashmiri people until the realization of their legitimate right to self-determination as per the relevant Security Council resolutions and called upon the international community, including the Security Council, to take effective measures to implement the relevant resolutions of the Council on Jammu and Kashmir and to enable the Kashmiri people to exercise their inalienable right to self-determination through a UN-supervised plebiscite.
The communiqué denounced the unilateral actions taken by India since August 5, 2019, which were perceived as attempts to alter the demographic composition of the occupied territory. The OIC reiterated its call on India to revoke all unilateral and illegal actions in the region and to respect the fundamental rights and freedoms of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Mr.Gullam Muhammed Saffie, a delegate from Jammu and Kashmir, expressed the importance of seeking support and cooperation from member states of the OIC. Drawing parallels to the Gambia’s advocacy for Rohingya Muslims, Mr.Saffie underscored the significance of solidarity within the OIC in addressing humanitarian crises.
In his address, the newly appointed Chairman of the OIC, President Adama Barrow, emphasized the summit’s role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and innovative resolutions to promote peace and inclusive development across borders. President Barrow reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to championing peace and stability in conflict-ridden regions, advocating for diplomatic solutions and humanitarian assistance to alleviate suffering.
In a press conference held on Sunday 5th April 2024 at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara Conference Centre, marking the end of the 15th OIC Summit President Barrow called for peace to reign in other parts of the world, saying peace is everything and without it, nothing can be possible.
“As the current chair for the next three years, I will make sure we walk towards building peace and stability in the world, especially within the Muslim ummah.
The President used the occasion to thank member states for their continuous cooperation and solidarity within the ummah as a whole.
