KEY POINTS
- Tinubu to advocate for Gaza ceasefire and two-state solution.
- Nigerian delegation includes foreign affairs and security officials.
- Nigeria’s role in the OIC bolsters its stance on regional peace.
Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu will advocate for an immediate ceasefire and peaceful resolution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict at the upcoming Arab-Islamic summit in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Tinubu’s office announced his commitment to pushing for renewed peace efforts in the region, specifically advocating for a two-state solution as a sustainable pathway to lasting peace.
Presidential spokesperson Bayo Onanuga emphasized Nigeria’s dedication to supporting regional stability, noting the need for international cooperation on this issue.
The annual summit, beginning November 11, is held at the invitation of Saudi Arabia’s King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
Nigeria’s involvement is due to its membership in the Organizations of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) putting Tinubu among leaders calling for restraint given increasing tensions in the Middle East.
Tinubu’s delegation includes security and foreign affairs ministers
Accompanying Tinubu to the summit is a high-level delegation comprising Nigeria’s ministers of foreign affairs and information, as well as the national security adviser and the head of the country’s security intelligence agency.
This team reflects Nigeria’s focus on both regional stability and internal security, as the administration tackles its own challenges with Islamist insurgents in northeastern Nigeria.
According to Reuters, the Riyadh summit provides Tinubu a platform to share Nigeria’s experience in addressing security challenges, as well as to align with OIC partners in their collective call for peace in Gaza.
The Nigerian president is expected to highlight his country’s commitment to global stability while addressing the broader implications of the Gaza conflict on regional security.
Global peace efforts and Nigeria’s role in the OIC
Nigeria’s stance on the Gaza conflict aligns with its membership in the OIC, which advocates for peace and cooperation across the Muslim world.
As Tinubu calls for a ceasefire, his participation underscores Nigeria’s role in shaping diplomatic efforts and promoting international dialogue.
The summit also reflects Nigeria’s growing voice on global issues, as it continues to balance regional security needs with broader commitments to peace and cooperation.
Tinubu’s stand for the recognition of two states exemplify the Nigerian diplomacy on the conflict because the country remains in support of any way of resolving the Middle East crisis such as recognizing both states so that Israel and Palestine could live as neighbors.
Standing on this position supported by the Nigerian diplomacy, much aligns with the Summit’s theme and supports the plea for the resumption of negotiations as rulers convene in Riyadh.
