By: Isatou Sarr
The Gambian delegation led by Foreign Minister Hon. Sering Modou Njie has called for dialogue and solidarity as the only solution to the escalating crisis in the Middle East.
Minister Njie, made the call at the 52nd Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers held in Baghdad, Iraq, from 17th to 18th October 2026, under the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Fundamental Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development.”
Speaking as Chair of the 15th Islamic Summit, Minister Njie said the Middle East faces a multifaceted regional war involving several states. He stressed that there is no military solution and urged all sides to de-escalate, while calling on OIC Member States to reaffirm a comprehensive plan of action on the region’s security and political challenges.
He commended Qatar and Pakistan for their complementary mediation efforts, noting the heavy toll of the crisis on Member States, especially the GCC countries.
On Palestine
On the situation in Palestine, Minister Njie called on the international community to end the Israeli aggression and reaffirmed The Gambia’s support for Palestinian self-determination and a sovereign state within the 1967 borders, with Al Quds Al Sharif as its capital.
He rejected any geographical or demographic alteration of the occupied territory, including Gaza, restated The Gambia’s commitment to the Two-State Solution, and urged accountability for violators of international law. He also called on Member States to mobilize humanitarian support and reconstruction plans for Palestine.
On Rohingya Case
The Minister also updated the meeting on the Rohingya case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), describing it as the “Voice of the Islamic Ummah.” He thanked contributors to the OIC Legal Fund and appealed for further contributions to ensure the case is concluded swiftly.
Gambia’s Candidacy
Minister Njie further presented The Gambia’s candidacy of Hon. Hassan Bubacar Jallow, retired Chief Justice with over five decades of legal experience, for membership of the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC).
In closing his statement, Njie reaffirmed The Gambia’s commitment to the OIC Charter and called for deeper economic integration, investment in youth and women, and stronger cooperation to overcome poverty, underdevelopment, food insecurity, and low technological innovation.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Minister Njie held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Indonesia, Azerbaijan, and Iraq to strengthen ties. He also signed the Statute of the OIC Humanitarian Fund, an initiative proposed by Qatar to strengthen humanitarian work and Islamic solidarity among Member States.
The signing took place with Amb. Tarig Ali Bakhit Salah, Assistant Secretary General of the OIC for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs and Special Envoy for Afghanistan.
About The Author
