Ahead of 15 Summit
By Assan Bah
Ahead of the much anticipated summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) scheduled for the 4th and 5th of this month of May 2024, in the Gambia, ‘Peace Network’-The Gambia has urged delegates to the OIC summit to critically assess the fragile global situation and create plans to reduce tensions, particularly within member states.
A press statement issued by the ‘Peace Network’ on the subject read as follows: “The Management and Staff of ‘Peace Network’ rejoice and welcome the OIC delegates to The Gambia, with peace and serenity. The 2024 OIC Summit under the theme: Enhancing Unity and Solidarity Through Dialogue for Sustainable Development, is special to Gambia’s history and will be monumental to her standing in the international sphere. The Gambia will be remembered globally as the Smiling Coast of West Africa to host the 15th summit of the second biggest global convergence.’’ The statement continued:
“The Peace Network Team seizes this opportunity to call on all Gambian residents and friends of The Gambia to stand by the Government to ensure a successful and impactful OIC summit. Every Gambian has a significant role to play to ensure a successful Summit. Meanwhile, during the summit, we call on member states of the OIC to critically look at the precarious global situation in the areas of Peace and Security and come up with tangible strategies to ameliorate the conflict and wars around the world, particularly in the Member States. The world needs Peace and Security.
“Furthermore, OIC should also critically look into the situation in The Middle East and strive to find lasting solutions to the decades-long conflict between Israel and Palestine. OIC being the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations, have a crucial role to play in preventive diplomacy, peaceful resolution of conflicts and providing humanitarian assistance in times of crisis.
“In conclusion, The Peace Network Team is filled with distinct pleasure and a sense of achievement and pride, for the trust and confidence bestowed on Gambia to host 57 Heads of State and Governments from OIC countries. On this note, we sincerely and peacefully welcome you all to The Republic of The Gambia and wish you a successful summit in Banjul.’’
