Alhaji Abubakarr Bah, Information Attaché, Saudi Arabia.
Heads of State and Government of 43 countries of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have strongly condemned the Israeli aggression and reaffirmed their support for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The 15th September Doha Emergency Arab-Islamic Summit’s final communique called on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its crimes and to compel it to halt its ongoing aggressions. The leaders also emphasized the importance of implementing Security Council resolutions related to a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and the establishment of a Palestinian state.
In his opening statement, His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of Qatar, described the Israeli attack as a “cowardly terrorist act” that targeted a residential area, resulting in six deaths and 18 injuries. He stressed that Qatar will not tolerate any violation of its sovereignty and will take all necessary measures to preserve its national security.
The Secretary-General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), H.E. Mr. Hussein Ibrahim Taha, condemned the Israeli attack and reaffirmed the OIC’s full solidarity with Qatar. He also called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in holding Israel accountable for its crimes.
The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, H.E. Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit, warned that Israel’s actions are a threat to regional stability and security. He emphasized that the summit’s final communique will contribute to strengthening Arab and Islamic solidarity with Qatar and unifying positions and efforts in the service of the causes of Muslim and Arab nations.
Sierra Leone’s Permanent Representative to the OIC and Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, H.E Mohamed S. Barrie, on behalf of His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio expressed Sierra Leone’s solidarity with Qatar and condemned the attack. In his prepared address, Ambassador Barrie expressed Sierra Leone’s concern over the attack and emphasized the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful means. He stated, “We unequivocally condemn the act of aggression by the State of Israel, and reiterate our unwavering support for the independence, sovereignty, and security of the State of Qatar.”
Ambassador Barrie called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, respect for Qatar’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a credible and impartial international investigation into the attack, and urgent engagement of the UN Security Council to restore peace and uphold international law.
On the sidelines of the summit, Ambassador Barrie met with His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to discuss opportunities for enhancing bilateral relations between Sierra Leone and Saudi Arabia. The meeting underscores Sierra Leone’s commitment to strengthening ties with key partners in the region.
