Date: November 11, 2024
Source: Nigerian President’s Office, Saudi Press Agency
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu is set to use his platform at the upcoming Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, to advocate for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza and to push for renewed peace efforts in the region. In a statement released on Saturday, Tinubu’s office emphasized that Nigeria would prioritize a call for de-escalation in Gaza, which has been the site of intense conflict between Israel and Hamas in recent weeks.
The annual summit, which is scheduled to begin in Riyadh on Monday, brings together leaders from across the Arab and Islamic world under the auspices of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). Nigeria, as a member of the OIC, is one of the invited non-Arab nations to participate in the discussions.
Nigeria’s Strong Stance on Cease-fire
During the summit, President Tinubu is expected to address the ongoing Israel-Palestinian conflict, which has escalated dramatically over the past month, leading to significant civilian casualties and a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The president’s office indicated that Nigeria’s position will be clear: “an immediate cease-fire is needed to prevent further loss of life and suffering” in Gaza.
Tinubu’s call for a cease-fire will align with the broader international calls for a halt to the fighting. The violence has triggered widespread condemnation across the globe, with countries and organizations calling for the protection of civilians and urging both sides to return to negotiations. Tinubu’s advocacy for a cease-fire underscores Nigeria’s longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the Middle East, as well as the country’s active role in global diplomatic efforts.
Reviving the Two-State Solution
In addition to calling for an immediate cease-fire, President Tinubu will also advocate for renewed efforts to revive the two-state solution as the key pathway to lasting peace in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The two-state solution, which envisions the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, has long been the cornerstone of international diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the conflict.
Tinubu’s support for the two-state solution aligns with Nigeria’s broader foreign policy objectives, which prioritize diplomacy, human rights, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts. In his remarks, he is expected to emphasize that a lasting peace can only be achieved through meaningful negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian leadership, with international support playing a critical role in facilitating dialogue.
The Arab-Islamic Summit and Nigeria’s Role
The Arab-Islamic summit is an important annual event where leaders from the Muslim world gather to discuss pressing regional and global issues. This year’s summit comes at a particularly sensitive moment, as the conflict in Gaza has become one of the most urgent crises in the Middle East, with significant international attention focused on how to address it.
Saudi Arabia, as the host nation, has played a pivotal role in rallying support for Palestinian rights while also seeking to mediate between conflicting factions in the region. The kingdom has called for an end to the violence and has repeatedly urged both Israel and Hamas to prioritize the protection of civilians.
Nigeria’s participation in the summit reflects its growing diplomatic influence within the OIC and its commitment to playing an active role in the Middle East peace process. As a prominent African nation with significant Muslim and Christian populations, Nigeria is uniquely positioned to offer a balanced perspective on the conflict and to advocate for a solution that prioritizes peace, justice, and human dignity for all parties involved.
Implications for Peace in the Region
Nigeria’s call for a cease-fire and renewed peace efforts at the summit could have important diplomatic implications. While it is unlikely that a cease-fire will be achieved immediately given the complex dynamics of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, Tinubu’s involvement in the summit demonstrates Nigeria’s commitment to being an influential voice in the ongoing search for peace.
The summit could also provide an opportunity for Tinubu to engage with other world leaders, including key stakeholders like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey, who have been heavily involved in efforts to mediate the conflict. By calling for the revival of the two-state solution, Nigeria seeks to reinforce the international consensus that a sustainable peace in the Middle East can only be achieved through negotiations that address the aspirations of both Israelis and Palestinians.
Conclusion and Expectations
As the Arab-Islamic summit opens in Riyadh, all eyes will be on the discussions surrounding the Israel-Palestinian conflict. President Tinubu’s expected call for an immediate cease-fire and a renewed focus on the two-state solution signals Nigeria’s commitment to advocating for peace in one of the most persistent conflicts of the 21st century. Whether these calls will lead to concrete actions or renewed momentum for peace remains to be seen, but Tinubu’s engagement highlights Nigeria’s growing role as a diplomatic leader on the global stage.
References:
- Nigerian President’s Office Statement (November 9, 2024)
- Saudi Press Agency (Arab-Islamic Summit Announcement, November 2024)
- Al Jazeera (Saudi Arabia Hosts Arab-Islamic Summit Amid Gaza Conflict)
- United Nations (UN Call for Ceasefire in Gaza, November 2024)
