RIYADH: The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday held an emergency meeting in Jeddah to discuss the recent developments in crisis-hit Sudan after an escalation in military clashes that killed many civilians.
According to Arab news, during the emergency meeting, which was called on the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), the OIC acknowledged the need to immediately resolve the crisis through peaceful ways, calling for solidarity in Sudan and affirming help for the Sudanese citizens.
OIC and Sudan crisis
Sudan said that over 550 people have been killed in the conflict since the violence began, with 4,926 injured and as many as 334,000 people internally displaced in the African country. UN said that tens of thousands of people fled Sudan to South Sudan, Chad, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
We commend #Saudi_Arabia for the initiative to hold meeting, efforts towards ceasefire and for evacuating citizens of #OIC and non-OIC Member States, says #hissein_brahim_taha . pic.twitter.com/Dg82vQAdiM
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) May 3, 2023
At the start of the meeting, OIC head Hissein Brahim Taha confirmed that “OIC will act on your recommendations to contribute to efforts to stop the current fighting, advance the peaceful way, and also provide the necessary humanitarian help, including the possibility of sending a top-level delegation to Sudan at the suitable time.”
Calling for a truce and an end to the conflict, he said that they would “continue to conduct consultations with (OIC) nations and regional and global actors, as part of our resolve to contribute to the efforts intended at attaining stability in Sudan.”
The OIC meeting also affirmed the significance of maintaining Sudan’s stability and security and respecting its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, thereby protecting it from external meddling.
The OIC also called for a determination to ceasefire to ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance and support for the wounded and the stranded, the evacuation of nationals and diplomatic missions, and the establishment of a safe humanitarian corridor.
The meeting called for the immediate end of military escalation and for prioritizing the national interest to preserve the abilities and gains of the people of Sudan, the OIC said in a statement.
We commend #Saudi_Arabia for the initiative to hold meeting, efforts towards ceasefire and for evacuating citizens of #OIC and non-OIC Member States, says #hissein_brahim_taha . pic.twitter.com/Dg82vQAdiM
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) May 3, 2023
The OIC meeting also praised the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in engaging with the Sudanese citizens and regional parties to reach an immediate truce and return to the path of peace to preserve the African country’s unity. It also lauded the significant efforts made by Saudi Arabia to evacuate people from Sudan.
We commend #Saudi_Arabia for the initiative to hold meeting, efforts towards ceasefire and for evacuating citizens of #OIC and non-OIC Member States, says #hissein_brahim_taha . pic.twitter.com/Dg82vQAdiM
— OIC (@OIC_OCI) May 3, 2023
