The Gambian delegation, led by Foreign Minister Hon. Sering Modou Njie, has renewed its call for dialogue in war-torn countries, urging people to embrace solidarity over division.
Addressing the 52nd Session of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers in Baghdad, Iraq, held on October 17th – 18th, 2026, Minister Njie warned that the Middle East is facing a complex regional war involving multiple states.
Held on the theme “Dialogue and Solidarity: Two Fundamental Pillars for Promoting Peace and Sustainable Development,” the forum brought together foreign ministers from across the Islamic world.
Speaking in his capacity as Chair of the 15th Islamic Summit, he emphasised that “there is no military solution” to the crisis, urging all parties to embrace dialogue and solidarity as the only path to peace.
He commended Qatar and Pakistan for their mediation efforts and called on OIC Member States to adopt a comprehensive plan of action to address regional security and political challenges.
On Palestine, Njie reiterated The Gambia’s unwavering support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a sovereign state in line with the 1967 borders, with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital. He rejected any attempts to alter the geography or demographics of occupied territories, including Gaza, and urged accountability for violations of international law. He further appealed for humanitarian assistance and reconstruction initiatives.
Minister Njie also updated delegates on The Gambia’s ongoing case against Myanmar at the International Court of Justice concerning the Rohingya crisis. He described the proceedings as the “Voice of the Islamic Ummah” and thanked contributors to the OIC Legal Fund, while appealing for additional support to ensure the case’s swift conclusion.
In addition, Njie presented The Gambia’s nomination of Hon. Hassan Bubacar Jallow, retired Chief Justice with over five decades of legal experience, for membership in the OIC Independent Permanent Human Rights Commission (IPHRC).
Closing his address, Minister 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 tackle poverty, underdevelopment, food insecurity, and technological gaps.
“We must turn commitments into tangible cooperation,” he urged.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Gambian Foreign Minister held bilateral talks with his counterparts from Indonesia, Azerbaijan and Iraq to strengthen diplomatic ties. He also signed the Statute of the OIC Humanitarian Fund, an initiative proposed by Qatar to bolster humanitarian work and Islamic solidarity.
The signing was witnessed by Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakhit Salah, OIC Assistant Secretary General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs and Special Envoy for Afghanistan.
