A senior Gambian diplomat Lang Yabou, who is now the permanent secretary at the ministry of foreign affairs, has called on the Organisation of Islamic Corporation summit underway in Banjul to come up with pragmatic solutions to problems facing the Muslim Ummah.

Speaking at the OIC summit in Banjul, PS Yarbou told the conference that the Ummah is witnessing challenges of “unprecedented proportions affecting our citizens that we cannot continue to ignore” adding that “it’s time for decisive, bold and holistic actions that are informed by humanitarian, developmental and diplomatic dimensions in our search for effective and durable solutions to our shared challenges”. 

“We are meeting at a time when the larger International Community, especially members of the Ummah, are going through unprecedented conflicts and geopolitical tensions that require our urgent attention. Violent extremism, terrorism and genocidal actions have become normalised in certain parts of our world,” he said.

“As experts who are trusted by our leaders and people and, assigned the responsibility of charting an acceptable outcome for the Summit, we must do so, with only noble objectives in mind, i.e the absolute imperative of ensuring peace, security, stability and development for humanity, especially the unprivileged communities of the Ummah.

“The time for action is now. We need increased solidarity, cooperation and coordination of efforts while building mutual trust between and among ourselves as brothers and sisters facing similar challenges and issues. Matters of mutual concern and interest should be addressed through solidarity, dialogue and compassion. These are values that are Islamic, enduring and universal,” he added.

Reporting by Adama Makasuba