The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), under the leadership of its President-General, the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, is appalled by the bitter political rivalry that has metamorphosed into a bloody military conflict in Sudan.

Arc. Zubairu Haruna Usman-Ugwu, Director of Administration, signed the statement, which read: “The Council is especially worried by the devastation that the conflict has wrought on the civilian life and the attendant losses of hundreds of lives and critical Sudanese infrastructure. The gory sights of dead and decapitated bodies on the streets of Khartoum leave less to be desired and question our humanity.”

“Several thousands of people have also been displaced and stranded as a result of the ugly development. Those that are displaced report gross violations and abuse while those still in Sudan are finding it extremely difficult to access food, water and medical attention. The whole scenario is scary and heart-rending.”

“It is unfortunate that the gladiators in the conflict, General Abdul Fattah al-Burhan and General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo (known as Hemedti) cannot resolve their differences in a peaceful manner. They are electing to flex their military muscles at the expense of the innocent civilians who are struggling daily to eke out a legitimate living.”

He noted that this bitter fighting is uncalled for as leadership is all about serving the interest of the people and not advancing personal egos and interests. The Sudanese people have endured distressed economy and the attendant high costs of goods and services for some time, according to him, but adding the prospects of a civil war to the equation is a needless escalation of the misery of the vast majority of the people.

“Given the strategic position of Sudan, the ongoing bloodshed has the potential of creating a domino effect on other African countries, especially those in the Sahel region. All hands must be on deck to extinguish the smouldering cauldron before it gets worse to become an uncontrollable conflagration. A stitch in time saves nine.”

The leader of the Nigerian Muslims also stated that, “The Council hereby calls on the United Nations to immediately send in the peace keeping forces to restore peace and order to Sudan. This is expedient in order to prevent the crisis from not only consuming Sudan but also destabilising the entire Sahel region and Africa at large.”

“The African Union should also take decisive action and not engage in issuing statements. The situation is dire and delay is dangerous. Africa should not be a battleground for advancing the geopolitics of the super powers.”

“While thanking the Federal Government of Nigeria for the ongoing efforts in Sudan, just as it did in Ukraine and in other dangerous situations, we urge it to expedite action to bring home thousands of Nigerians who are stranded in Sudan. We pray that the Almighty Allah protect all those who find themselves in the country and grant the leaders the tranquility and wisdom to pursue the noble path of peace.”

Adding that, the situation in Sudan provides a chilling warning to Nigerians to guard their peace jealously. “It is only a fool that learns from his sad experiences only. The wise learn from the experiences of others and do not fall into the same errors that destroyed them,” he continued.

“As politics is over, governance should be the sole focus of stakeholders in the Nigerian project now. Under no condition should the peace of Nigeria be compromised by political actors and their impressionistic followers. We don’t have to lose peace before we appreciate it as ordinary Sudanese are currently experiencing. We should join hands to save Sudan and save our common humanity from the catastrophe of violent conflict.”

The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) is the apex Islamic authority in Nigeria. It was established in 1973 to “cater for, preserve, protect, promote and advance the interest of Islam and Muslims throughout the country” and has been responsible for the unity of Nigerian Muslims as the official body, recognised by the Nigerian Federal and State Governments, coordinating the affairs of Islam in Nigeria.

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