Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – Leaders from approximately 50 countries gathered in Banjul, Gambia, for the 15th summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), highlighting the urgent need to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip and address the “crimes” against the Palestinian people.

In his opening address, Gambia’s President Adama Barrow, who also serves as the president of the bloc for the next three years, emphasized the importance of mediation and dialogue in resolving conflicts and fostering lasting peace. He called on leaders to uphold the principles of justice, equality, and mutual respect to end the suffering of the Palestinian people and build a future of peace and prosperity for all.

The summit, attended by a dozen heads of State and Government, including Presidents Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal, Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, and Ismail Omar Guelleh of Djibouti, emphasized the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Other countries were represented by foreign ministers or envoys.

The 15th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in Banjul, Republic of The Gambia – 4 May 2024. Theme: “Enhancing Unity and Solidarity through Dialogue for Sustainable Development” #OICBanjulSummit https://t.co/W8OGFcmhjx

— OIC (@OIC_OCI) May 4, 2024

Recent months have seen increased efforts by the OIC to address the Gaza conflict, including an emergency summit last November in Saudi Arabia, which called for an end to the war, the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, and accountability for Israel.

In addition to addressing the Gaza conflict, the summit aims to “expand our domestic economy and revitalize small and medium enterprises,” and to showcase Gambian and African culture to the world.

During the summit, three key documents will be presented, including a draft Palestinian resolution, a draft Banjul statement, and a draft final document, which will be discussed by the Council of Foreign Ministers and subsequently by the summit.