As Israeli military attacks on civilians continue in Gaza and tensions escalate with Iran, foreign ministers from across the Islamic world — including key African delegations — are convening in Istanbul for the 51st session of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers.
Among the early arrivals is Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, representing his nation at a time when Muslim-majority countries face a growing number of geopolitical challenges. Hosted by Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, the summit is being held under the theme: “The Organization of Islamic Cooperation in a Transforming World.”
The agenda is expected to be dominated by the deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sudan and the heightened regional threats targeting Iran, both of which have raised concerns about collective security and sovereignty among OIC member states. Iran, a founding member of the OIC, has faced mounting pressure amid recent military escalations and international isolation efforts.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry stressed the significance of this year’s summit as a platform to “reaffirm unity, justice, and shared responsibility in the face of armed aggression, violations of international law, and efforts to destabilize the Islamic world.”
In addition to Somalia, foreign ministers or high-level representatives from African OIC member states — such as Djibouti, Gambia, Niger, Senegal, Sudan, and Chad — are expected to participate. The African bloc is likely to voice support for peaceful conflict resolution, enhanced humanitarian coordination, and the strengthening of South–South cooperation within the OIC framework.
African delegates are also anticipated to raise concerns about underrepresentation in global decision-making and call for a more inclusive and just international order that respects the sovereignty and dignity of all Muslim nations.
As the OIC gathers at a time of crisis, African voices are poised to play a vital role in shaping a collective response grounded in peace, accountability, and solidarity — not only for Gaza and Iran, but for all communities under threat across the Muslim world.