Gaza: Nigeria urged to join South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has called on the Nigerian government to join the landmark case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). MPAC’s Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, in a statement, said the move is crucial as the world continues to witness, with horror and heartbreak, atrocities […]

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has called on the Nigerian government to join the landmark case filed by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

MPAC’s Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, in a statement, said the move is crucial as the world continues to witness, with horror and heartbreak, atrocities committed by Israel against the Palestinian people.

He noted that these acts bear the hallmarks of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, citing overwhelming evidence of indiscriminate bombings of civilian populations, the deliberate targeting of hospitals, schools, refugee camps, and humanitarian workers, as well as the systematic starvation of children and women.

Kamor commended South Africa for its courage and moral clarity in taking the bold step of challenging Israel at the ICJ by invoking the Genocide Convention, to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“It is a moment of truth for the international community, and Nigeria cannot afford to remain silent or indifferent. Nigeria has historically positioned itself as a champion of justice, the anti-apartheid struggle, and the rights of oppressed peoples.

“This proud legacy obligates our government to act now – to stand firmly with South Africa and the growing coalition of nations that have recognised the urgency of holding Israel accountable for its actions,” he said.

He warned that remaining on the sidelines would amount to a betrayal of the principles of justice, humanity, and solidarity that Nigeria has always claimed to uphold.

MPAC, therefore, urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigerian government to formally join South Africa’s lawsuit at the ICJ as a co-applicant, thereby strengthening the legal and moral weight of the case.

The group also called on Nigeria to take a strong diplomatic stance at the United Nations and other international fora by demanding an immediate end to the atrocities against Palestinians, while demonstrating leadership in Africa by championing justice, peace, and the protection of vulnerable populations.

“History will not be kind to nations that chose complicity through silence. Nigeria must not be counted among them,” Kamor added.