OIC Holds emergency meeting to discuss developments in Sudan

JEDDAH - The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) on Wednesday held an emergency meeting in Jeddah to discuss the developments in Sudan, following an increase in military clashes that killed and injured many civilians.

During the meeting, which was called for at the invitation of Saudi Arabia - the current chair of the OIC Executive Committee - the organisation affirmed the need to resolve conflicts through peaceful means, calling for solidarity in Sudan and affirming support for the Sudanese people, reported Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha in his speech when opening the meeting underscored that the organisation will implement the recommendations of the member states, including the possibility of sending a high-profile delegation to Sudan in coordination with Saudi Arabia, the chair of the current Islamic Summit and the OIC Executive Committee.

Taha expressed sorrow over the eruption of hostilities in Sudan during a time the world was hoping to see the Sudanese parties inking a final agreement and forming a transitional civil government.

He also lamented the partial adherence to the humanitarian truce to evacuate injured people and diplomatic missions.

Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the OIC Dr Saleh bin Hamad Al-Suhaibani, in delivering the Kingdom’s speech at the emergency meeting, expressed hope for the meeting to formulate a unified Islamic stance that contributes to bridging the rift and stopping the bloodshed in Sudan.

Meanwhile, Anadolu Agency reported that OIC plans to send a high-level delegation to Sudan for talks on the situation in the conflict-torn country.

It reported OIC as saying that it will continue following up the developments in the situation in Sudan "to reach a peaceful process that achieves the aspirations of the Sudanese people.”

On April 15, violent clashes broke out between the Sudanese regular armed forces and the Rapid Response Forces (RSF), with the epicentre located in Khartoum. The parties to the conflict have introduced a number of temporary nationwide ceasefires since then, but none has helped in settling the conflict yet.

According to the Sudanese Health Ministry, at least 550 people have been killed in the conflict, and nearly 5,000 have been injured. - BERNAMA