Jeddah: OIC calls for a cease-fire in Sudan in an emergency meeting
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Salma Hossein
- . May 4, 2023
- . Update: May 4, 2023 8:35 pm
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), an intergovernmental organization consisting of 57 member states, held an emergency meeting in Jeddah, a Saudi Arabian port city on the Red Sea, on Wednesday, to discuss the current situation in Sudan.
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During the meeting, OIC called for a cease-fire in Sudan, following an escalation in military clashes between the Sudan Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces. The OIC affirmed the need to resolve conflict in war-torn Sudan.
According to the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), OIC members called for a peaceful negotiation to resolve the conflict. Saudi Arabia — the current chair of the Executive Committee – affirmed support for the Sudanese people amid the conflict.
According to Sudanese authorities, 550 people have been killed, 4,926 people have been wounded, and at least 334,000 people have been displaced inside Sudan since the conflict began on April 15.
Tens of thousands of people also fled Sudan following the recent conflict. According to the United Nations, many people were sent from Sudan to Egypt, Chad, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Ethiopia.
Hissein Brahim Taha, Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, also attended the recent meeting. Brahim Taha said, “We will act on your recommendations and use all possibilities to contribute to efforts to stop the fighting in Sudan.” He said that the OIC would provide the necessary humanitarian assistance to people impacted by the conflict in Sudan. He also noted the “possibility of sending a high-level delegation to Sudan at the appropriate time.”
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Brahim Taha called for a cease-fire and an end to the conflict. He also said that they would “continue to hold consultations with OIC member states.”
Brahim Taha said that OIC members would continue to work with other partners to reach a peaceful process and establish peace in Sudan. He also called for respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Sudan.
