President Adama Barrow has met with the Assistant Secretary General of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Ambassador Tarig Ali Bakhit Saleh, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where discussions centred on The Gambia’s leadership role within the organisation and the ongoing Rohingya genocide case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The meeting, held in President Barrow’s capacity as Chair of the OIC Summit, focused on the organisation’s current activities, implementation of key initiatives and priorities under The Gambia’s chairmanship.

A key issue raised during the discussions was the progress of The Gambia’s case against Myanmar at the ICJ. President Barrow requested an update on financial pledges made by OIC member states to support the legal proceedings, as well as contributions that have already been received.

The Gambia filed the landmark case against Myanmar in 2019 on behalf of the OIC, accusing the Southeast Asian nation of breaching the Genocide Convention over its treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority.

Ambassador Saleh commended The Gambia’s leadership within the OIC, describing it as an important member state that has consistently championed initiatives advancing the interests of the Muslim world.

He also praised The Gambia for introducing initiatives such as the Climate Solidarity Initiative, aimed at strengthening cooperation among OIC member states in addressing climate change and its impacts.

The two leaders further discussed ways of advancing the OIC’s agenda and enhancing the organisation’s effectiveness.

President Barrow requested guidance from the OIC Secretariat on practical initiatives that could be implemented in the short term while laying the groundwork for medium and long-term programmes that would strengthen the organisation and better serve its member states.

The meeting forms part of President Barrow’s official engagements in Saudi Arabia, where he is holding consultations with OIC officials on the implementation of decisions taken at the OIC Summit and matters of common interest to member states.

By Adama Makasuba