A coalition of Islamic organisations under the banner of the Coalition for Global Peace (CGP) has issued a strong joint statement urging the United Nations and the international community to take decisive action on the ongoing conflict in Palestine and other crises threatening global stability.
The statement, titled “A Vote for Global Peace,” was signed by leading Muslim groups in Nigeria, including the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) and the Da’wah Coordination Council of Nigeria (DCCN), and endorsed by over 30 Islamic and civil society organisations. It was read in Lagos on Friday by CGP Lead Facilitator, Tajudeen Alabede, alongside Disu Kamor, Executive Chairman of MPAC, and Dr. Ahmad Jumba, Secretary General of the DCCN.
Israel and Global Peace
The coalition called on the United Nations to use its upcoming summit as an opportunity to restore the full rights of the Palestinian people and formally recognise Palestine as a sovereign nation in line with longstanding UN resolutions.
The groups demanded that nations of the world impose sanctions on Israel and consider its expulsion from the United Nations, citing its “continued apartheid policies and violations of international law.” They insisted that such a move would reaffirm the UN’s credibility as a guardian of justice, peace, and human rights.
Nigeria and other nations in Africa and the Global South, they argued, must resist complicity in what they described as “ongoing genocide” and instead sever economic and security ties with Israel, vote in favour of a permanent ceasefire in the Middle East, and support the recognition of Palestine.
The coalition also challenged Western powers to “come to terms with the fact that history is no longer on their side” on the Israel-Palestine issue. They urged these nations to withdraw support for Israel’s war efforts, exert pressure for a ceasefire, and back calls for Israel’s suspension or expulsion from the United Nations.
Other Conflicts Around the World
Beyond the Middle East, the statement expressed concern over escalating conflicts in Kashmir, Ukraine, Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Sahel region. It lamented what it described as the African Union’s weakness compared to its predecessor, the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), in responding to regional crises.
The coalition urged the UN to reclaim its role as an effective peacekeeping body rather than outsourcing interventions to powerful member states. It warned that without urgent reform, the UN risked going the way of the League of Nations.
Nigeria’s Security Challenges
Turning to Nigeria, the coalition acknowledged progress in the fight against criminal groups but stressed that the country could not yet be described as safe.
“We are concerned by the growing sense of resignation and normalisation of the situation by Nigerians,” the statement read.
The coalition condemned what it called “selective narratives” by some foreign governments and local religious leaders who allegedly exploit Nigeria’s security challenges for political or religious purposes. It insisted that killings in Nigeria affect both Muslims and Christians indiscriminately, warning that misrepresenting the violence as a war against Christians risks further destabilising the country.
The coalition called on the Nigerian government to rise to its role as Africa’s giant, decisively address internal security challenges, and reclaim its leadership position within the continent and the Global South.
Strengthening the UN
The groups proposed sweeping reforms of the United Nations to strengthen its credibility, including overhauling its organs such as the International Court of Justice, ensuring that no single nation wields outsized influence, and requiring all member states to meet their financial obligations. They stressed that the UN must return to its respected role as a peacekeeper and buffer in global conflicts.
Solidarity for Global Peace
Concluding the statement, the coalition declared its solidarity with “all peace-loving people of conscience around the world who uphold justice, peace, and the sanctity of our shared humanity.” They also offered prayers for peace and stability in Nigeria and across the globe.
The joint statement was endorsed by several prominent Islamic organisations, including the Abuja Muslim Forum, Al-Habibiyyah Islamic Society, Federation of Muslim Women Associations in Nigeria (FOMWAN), Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), The Muslim Congress (TMC), Women in Da’wah (WiD), among others.
