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

• MPAC urges Nigeria to join South Africa’s genocide case against Israel, citing war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide

• Nigeria’s legacy as a defender of justice and oppressed peoples demands action; silence would betray principles of solidarity and humanity

The Nigerian government has been urged to join the historic case that South Africa has brought against Israel before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by the Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria.

In a statement, MPAC’s Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, said the action is vital since Israel’s crimes against the Palestinian people are still being horribly and heartbreakingly witnessed by the world.

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

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.