The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) wrapped up a two-day meeting in Cameroon on Friday, pledging to support member states in tackling armed conflicts, violent extremism, economic struggles, and climate challenges. The OIC recognized that these issues have driven many civilians in its 57 member countries into poverty.
The meeting, attended by about 500 delegates including foreign ministers, diplomats, and senior officials, concentrated on the pressing issues faced by member nations.
Boukary Sawadogo, Burkina Faso’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia and the OIC’s representative, expressed satisfaction with the strong commitments made by member states to provide direct aid to countries addressing the root causes of conflicts, such as poverty and economic difficulties. He also noted the increasing terrorism in Burkina Faso, which is affecting neighboring Mali and Niger.
The OIC committed to assisting Burkina Faso, Niger, Mali, Pakistan, Syria, Afghanistan, Somalia, and Nigeria—countries with high terrorism-related fatalities. Additionally, the organization plans to host a donors conference by the end of 2024 to support refugees from Cameroon, Chad, and Nigeria fleeing terrorism.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has unveiled several economic initiatives, including the development of a road linking Chad and Cameroon, with a second phase of the project set to be announced by November. The OIC will also roll out reforestation programs in Chad, Cameroon, Niger, and Burkina Faso to combat advancing desertification.
Gambian diplomat Mamadou Tangara highlighted that the conference participants underscored the need for improved transport and communication infrastructure. Such advancements are expected to play a pivotal role in fighting poverty and insecurity by stimulating economic growth, creating job opportunities, and enhancing market access.
Additionally, the OIC is finalizing discussions for a proposed 4,000-kilometer transcontinental railway connecting Senegal to Sudan. This railway aims to link Africa with the Atlantic Ocean, the Red Sea, the Middle East, and Asia, thereby improving market connectivity and addressing poverty.
The OIC also reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Palestinian resilience and advocating for U.N. Security Council resolutions that call for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as well as sufficient humanitarian aid for Gaza.
In Afghanistan, the OIC plans to intensify humanitarian efforts and engage in dialogue to lift the ban on girls’ education and women’s employment.