Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu have arrived in Riyadh to attend the Joint Arab-Islamic Extraordinary Summit, which opened on Sunday evening. The summit, convened by Saudi Arabia, is drawing leaders from across Africa and the Arab world to address urgent issues surrounding the devastating conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, with a particular focus on Israel’s military actions in these regions.
The summit, which officially begins on Monday, November 11, 2024, comes in response to Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, which have resulted in massive loss of life and widespread destruction. Over 43,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and more than 3,100 have died in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes targeting Hezbollah. This crisis has sparked widespread condemnation across the Arab and Muslim worlds, with leaders now seeking to develop a coordinated response.
For African leaders, the summit offers a chance to play a significant role in shaping a unified response to the conflict. Nigerian President Bola Tinubu, who arrived in Riyadh on Sunday morning, is expected to push for an immediate ceasefire and advocate for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Nigeria, as the most populous African country and a key member of the African Union, has a long-standing commitment to peace and stability in Africa and the Middle East. President Tinubu’s participation underscores Nigeria’s active role in promoting dialogue and advocating for the two-state solution as a pathway to lasting peace in the region.
Somali President Mohamud’s presence is equally important, given Somalia’s own struggle with conflict and recovery. As a leader who has guided Somalia through periods of instability and worked to combat terrorism, Mohamud is expected to bring valuable insights into the broader challenges of security and humanitarian crises in the region. Somalia’s experience with al-Shabaab and ongoing security challenges provide a unique perspective on the importance of regional cooperation and the need for African nations to unite in the face of global instability.
Egypt, represented by President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, also departed for Riyadh ahead of the summit. El-Sisi is expected to deliver Egypt’s speech at the summit, focusing on Cairo’s efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, as well as advocating for the preservation of the Palestinian people’s rights to establish an independent state. Egypt’s role is critical in the region, and the country’s leadership in seeking a resolution to the conflict is vital for ensuring long-term peace.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the summit in late October, emphasizing the urgency of addressing Israel’s “aggression” in Gaza and Lebanon. The summit’s priorities include halting the violence, protecting civilians, supporting Palestinian and Lebanese people, and exerting pressure on the international community to take meaningful action. These concerns are particularly relevant for African nations, many of which have deep ties to the Middle East and are impacted by the consequences of regional conflicts.
In addition to African leadership, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati are also attending the summit, along with representatives from several key countries, including Pakistan and Iran. While Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian could not attend, his country’s participation remains important, as Iran’s influence in the region affects both the Middle East and Africa.
For Africa, the summit represents an opportunity to strengthen ties with Arab and Islamic nations and push for a unified stance on issues affecting both regions. African nations, which have long faced their own struggles with conflict, displacement, and humanitarian crises, are increasingly engaged in global diplomatic efforts. The summit in Riyadh provides African leaders with a critical platform to discuss security concerns that transcend borders and contribute to peace-building efforts.
The summit is also seen as an opportunity for African leaders to signal to the incoming U.S. administration under President Donald Trump, who is expected to influence Middle East policy. Experts predict that regional leaders will seek a renewed commitment to dialogue, de-escalation, and addressing the root causes of conflict, with African nations playing a key role in shaping the future of Middle East diplomacy.
In the past, summits involving the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab League have seen divisions among Arab states, particularly over economic ties with Israel. However, with the escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon, Arab and Muslim leaders are now more determined to act decisively. The Riyadh summit will be critical in determining how African nations, in collaboration with their Arab and Islamic counterparts, can push for lasting peace and a collective approach to addressing regional instability.
For Africa, this summit is a step toward greater cooperation with the Arab world, emphasizing the importance of dialogue, unity, and collective action in addressing both the humanitarian crises in Gaza and Lebanon and broader regional security concerns. The discussions in Riyadh could set the tone for Africa’s role in Middle East peace-making efforts and highlight the continent’s commitment to resolving conflicts and ensuring stability for future generations.
