The focus of the 15th OIC Summit in Banjul on the situation in Palestine amid the ongoing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip and the need for a lasting solution through UN intervention signifies a renewed commitment to addressing the pressing challenges facing the Muslim world, Professor Lateef Oluwole Abbas, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, told Sputnik Africa.
"The summit is very good because it reviews the position of OIC globally," Professor Abbas stated, emphasizing the shared concern among OIC members regarding the Palestinian issue. "I endorse what they did there and they should go ahead to implement… Nobody can close his eyes to that because it's a genocide that is happening there."
He urged the OIC to actively lobby powerful nations and implement practical measures to ensure Palestinians receive necessary humanitarian aid.
The summit's Banjul Declaration underscored the importance of interfaith and intercultural dialogue as a tool to combat racism, discrimination, xenophobia, Islamophobia, and extremism. Professor Abbas echoed this sentiment, referencing Islamic teachings that promote peaceful relations and dialogue with people of other faiths.
"Islam is a peaceful religion and advocates for peace. And in the Quran, in chapter 3, verse 64, God commanded the Muslims to relate with non-Muslims, particularly the Jews and Christians, to invite them to a common ground and to dialogue rather than to enter into war," he explained.
While acknowledging the OIC's commitment to these principles, Professor Abbas also recognized the challenges posed by global power dynamics. He urged the OIC to leverage its collective influence to advocate for the implementation of resolutions and ensure that the international community holds Israel accountable for its actions.
Addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where nearly 35,000 civilians have been killed, according to the local authorities, the OIC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Palestinian people and its struggle for self-determination. Professor Abbas stressed that this solidarity should translate into tangible action, particularly in ensuring the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
He called on OIC members to utilize their power and influence to pressure Israel and its allies to allow relief efforts to reach the Palestinians in need.
The "OIC […] should be very serious," the Nigerian expert said. "All over the world, people are tired of all these resolutions. They should come up practically to ensure that all these people [Palestinians in Gaza] get relief."
Seeking a More Balanced World Order
The recent OIC summit highlighted a growing alignment between OIC member states and other countries of the Global South in their pursuit of a more inclusive and balanced multipolar world order. This shared vision resonates with the principles championed by BRICS nations, who aim to foster the potential for multilateral collaboration and a shift away from the dominance of traditional Western powers.
Professor Abbas emphasized the economic and political advantages of OIC countries joining BRICS. He noted the negative impacts of US dollar dominance on many nations, including Nigeria, and expressed support for a balanced power structure that promotes development and reduces economic disparities.
"If you don't have a balance of powers, then a lot of nations will suffer," Professor Abbas said, stressing that joining BRICS would empower OIC members and other countries and promote economic stability by creating a more diversified global financial system. "I urge all other countries to join, if only to balance the power of economy, domineering."
The summit also shed light on potential partnerships between OIC members and regional players. The Republic of Tatarstan, a predominantly Muslim region in Russia, expressed interest in collaborating with Sierra Leone and The Gambia, offering its expertise in heavy industries like helicopter and truck manufacturing.
Professor Abbas views this development as a positive step towards enhancing trade and development within the OIC community. He believes that successful cooperation between Tatarstan and the two African nations could serve as a model for other OIC members, attracting further collaboration and investment.
"Any country that joins an organization like that, that country is looking for development," Professor Abbas remarked, highlighting the potential for mutual benefits through strategic partnerships.