Sudan: OIC Commends Significant Efforts Made by Saudi Arabia in Evacuation of Int’l Citizens

Final Communique of the Open-ended Emergency Meeting of the Executive Committee on the Situation in Sudan 12 Shawwal 1444AH (3 May 2023).

At the invitation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, chair of the current Islamic Summit and the Executive Committee, the OIC Executive Committee held an emergency meeting on Wednesday 3 May 2023, at the OIC General Secretariat, Jeddah, attended by Permanent Representatives, to consider the situation in the Republic of Sudan, following the eruption of military clashes, which resulted in the death and injury of many civilian victims. 
The OIC Executive Committee,
Guided by the principles and objectives enshrined in the Charter of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the relevant resolutions adopted by the Islamic Summit and Council of Foreign Ministers affirming resolution of conflicts through peaceful means, calling for solidarity with the Republic of Sudan and affirming support for the Sudanese peoples’ choices and their decision about their future and the decisions and measures taken in the interest of the Sudanese people which preserve state institutions and the need for durable peace and stability and support for efforts towards economic and social development on Sudan:
1.    Affirms the importance of maintaining Sudan’s security and stability and respecting its unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, thereby guarding it from external interference.

2.    Expresses its deep regret at the eruption of armed clashes in the Republic of Sudan and offers sincere condolences to the Sudanese families of the victims, and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured.

3.    Calls for commitment to the humanitarian truce agreed upon to ensure delivery of humanitarian aid and support for the injured and the stranded, evacuation of citizens and diplomatic missions and creating safe humanitarian corridors for that purpose.

4.    Calls for the immediate cessation of military escalation and for the prioritization of the national interest to preserve the capabilities and gains of the Sudanese people, in view of the huge losses of lives and the destruction of installations and infrastructure.

5.    Requests all Sudanese brothers to allow dialogue to prevail, to embrace self-restraint and wisdom, and to return to the negotiation table, as soon as possible, in order to continue peace efforts aimed at resolving the Sudanese crisis to preserve the unity of Sudan and states institutions and to meet the aspirations of the Sudanese people for political and economic stability.

6.    Hails the efforts of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in its capacity as chair of the Islamic Summit, and its good offices and engagements with Sudanese brothers and regional parties to reach immediate and lasting ceasefire and return to the path of peace to preserve Sudan’s unity.

7.    Commends the significant efforts made by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the evacuation of international citizens and diplomatic missions from the Republic of Sudan and providing for all their needs, also commends the role of other states that made efforts in this regard.

8.    Commends the endeavours of the Republic of Türkiye at the highest level to induce the respective parties in the Republic of the Sudan to exercise restraint, declare an immediate ceasefire and return to dialogue; also appreciates the Republic of Türkiye’s safe and rapid evacuation of its citizens as well as third country nationals from 22 countries, including citizens of 13 OIC member states.

9.    Extends gratitude to the Sudanese authorities for coordinating and securing favourable conditions for the safe and free evacuation of staff of diplomatic institutions and foreign nationals under complex security conditions. Commends the efforts by the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria, the Kingdom of Morocco and the Republic of Djibouti in the evacuation of their nationals and citizens of other countries, including several civilians and diplomats, particularly the humanitarian and diplomatic efforts made by the neighbouring and border states.

10.    Emphasizes the importance for the OIC to deploy all efforts possible to support the Republic of Sudan and the Sudanese people to end this crisis and achieve the desired solution that will bring about security, stability and prosperity for Sudan and its people and to endeavor to enhance the OIC’s mediation capabilities to that end.

11.    Stresses that continued violence in the Republic of Sudan will cast shadows on and have negative implications for security and regional peace which is part and parcel of international security and peace.

12.    Stresses the need to bear in mind that the conflict in Sudan is purely an internal matter, and to warn against any external interference in Sudan, whatever its nature or source, and the imperative of preserving Sudan’s state institutions.

13.    Emphasizes the imperative of returning to political dialogue in Sudan while ensuring that Sudan’s future political process is inclusive and cross-cutting.

14.    Appeals to states and international institutions and organizations to provide humanitarian and health assistance to those affected by the difficult conditions in Sudan, including refugees in neighboring countries and those stranded in border areas.

15.    Express its support to the African initiative produced by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) summit to dispatch a presidential mediation delegation and the activation of the initiative in a joint African-Arab framework.

16.    Calls on the Secretary-General to follow up and assess the developments in Sudan and participate in the efforts for dialogue and reconciliation in Sudan and to take necessary measures to implement this communique in coordination with the Executive Committee. 

May 03, 2023