At a pivotal Arab-Islamic Summit in Riyadh, President Bola Tinubu made a powerful appeal for an end to the conflict in Gaza, condemning the ongoing violence as a "persistent humanitarian tragedy" that has deeply impacted countless lives. Speaking before leaders from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the League of Arab States, Tinubu stressed the urgent need for a two-state solution to bring enduring peace to the Middle East.
Highlighting Nigeria’s stance, President Tinubu reiterated the nation's call for an immediate ceasefire, stating, “No political aim or military strategy should justify the loss of innocent lives.” His words emphasized the necessity of balancing self-defense with proportionality, urging all parties involved to respect the lives and rights of civilians in accordance with international law.
President Tinubu expressed Nigeria's unwavering support for the coexistence of Israel and Palestine, envisioning both nations living in dignity and security. He described this as “a vision grounded in equality and mutual respect,” calling for committed dialogue and principled compromise as essential to reaching this long-awaited goal. “This conflict, rooted in deep history, has escalated beyond boundaries, affecting not only the Middle East but resonating globally,” he remarked, reflecting on the impact of the prolonged crisis and the rapid spread of its tragic images across digital platforms worldwide.
The summit, organized by Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, offered a crucial diplomatic space to reignite efforts toward peace. President Tinubu commended Saudi Arabia's leadership and proposed establishing a dedicated secretariat to oversee the resolutions from the summit. He urged that selected leaders be appointed to lead global advocacy and coordinate progress, ensuring consistent updates to the OIC and Arab League until lasting peace is achieved.
In his opening remarks, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman condemned the Israeli strikes on Gaza and Lebanon, decried the UNRWA's blockade, and emphasized the necessity of protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty. He reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for Palestinian statehood based on the 1967 borders and encouraged other nations to join an international coalition advocating for peace.
The Nigerian President underscored that Nigeria, drawing on its own regional experiences, would remain committed to supporting international peace efforts. “We know from our history that identity politics cannot replace the respect for diversity,” he reflected, underscoring Nigeria's dedication to advancing a fair and peaceful resolution.
As the summit concluded, President Tinubu’s call resonated with leaders present, marking a renewed diplomatic push for peace and an end to a conflict that has endured for generations.
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