Nouakchott (UNA/WMA) – The 39th session of the Islamic Committee of the International Crescent was held in the Mauritanian capital, Nouakchott, on July 9 and 10, 2026, in the presence of the Chairman of the Committee, Ambassador Ali Mahmoud Bouhedma, and representatives of national Red Crescent and Red Cross societies, regional and international humanitarian organizations, in addition to the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, the Islamic Solidarity Fund, the Islamic Organization for Food Security and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.
The session opened with an inaugural meeting, followed by the first open working session, which saw the approval of the agenda and a review of the reports of the International Crescent administration and its affiliated bodies.
In the second working session (also open), the reports of the Presidency of the Consultative Meeting and the bodies affiliated with the Committee were reviewed.
The Islamic Committee of the International Crescent also discussed the humanitarian situation in a number of Islamic countries experiencing severe humanitarian crises, most notably Palestine, Sudan, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, Afghanistan, the African Sahel region, the Lake Chad Basin, and the Gulf region countries.
The third working session, which was dedicated to the committee and its bodies, witnessed a discussion of the financial report, the external auditor, and the work program for the year 2026.
The session concluded today, Friday, with a meeting that witnessed the adoption of the reports and resolutions issued by the session.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Cheikh Ould Sid Ahmed, Director of the Department of the League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Mauritanians Abroad, affirmed that Mauritania views humanitarian work as a moral and civilizational mission that transcends geographical boundaries and affiliation, and embodies the authentic values of Islam based on mercy, solidarity and support for the needy.
He explained that this approach is embodied in Mauritania’s continued participation in relief initiatives, and its ongoing support for all efforts aimed at alleviating the suffering of peoples affected by crises and disasters.
He added that Mauritania, under the leadership of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Mr. Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, has made human beings the focus and goal of public policies, through strengthening social protection, combating vulnerability, and improving the conditions of the most vulnerable groups, based on a firm conviction that investing in people is the foundation for achieving sustainable development.
For his part, the Chairman of the International Islamic Crescent Committee, Ambassador Ali Mahmoud Bouhadma, expressed his deep gratitude and appreciation to the participants in the opening of the session, expressing his pride in Mauritania hosting this event, and appreciating the facilities, warm welcome and hospitality provided by the Mauritanian authorities, as well as their continued support for the humanitarian work undertaken by the Committee as a specialized institution affiliated with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
He also praised Mauritania’s pioneering role, as it was one of the first countries to ratify the agreement establishing the committee, wishing the country continued security, stability, progress and prosperity.
For his part, the President of the Mauritanian Red Crescent Society, Mr. Balla Cheghali Mekia, affirmed that hosting the work of this session is a source of pride, especially as it comes after the conclusion of the meetings of the Arab Red Crescent and Red Cross Organization, which were hosted by Nouakchott during the past days, and resulted in important decisions and recommendations to enhance joint Arab humanitarian work.
He added that the succession of these two Arab and Islamic events on Mauritanian soil reflects the confidence that it enjoys among its Arab and Islamic surroundings, and makes Nouakchott, during these days, a comprehensive platform for Arab and Islamic human dialogue, and a space for strengthening partnerships, exchanging experiences, and unifying efforts to serve humanity and preserve its dignity.
For her part, the Director of the Humanitarian Affairs Department of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Dr. Aisha Al-Ayafi, praised the Mauritanian government’s commendable efforts in promoting joint Islamic action and Islamic solidarity, noting that the General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation is participating in the work of this session as a permanent member, in appreciation of the vital role played by the Committee in serving those affected by disasters, crises and conflicts, and its commendable humanitarian efforts to alleviate the suffering of those in need throughout the Islamic world.
(is over)
