Incumbent Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has secured a second term as president of Mauritania after winning the recent presidential election with 56.12 percent of the votes. His main rival, anti-slavery activist Biram Dah Abeid, garnered 22.10 percent of the votes, while another contender, Hamadi Ould Sid’ El Moctar, received 12.78 percent. The election had a turnout of 55.39 percent, lower than in the previous election in 2019. Despite Ghazouani’s victory, Abeid refused to recognize the results, accusing the electoral commission of being manipulated by the government.
Following Ghazouani’s win, some of Abeid’s supporters protested in the capital city of Nouakchott, setting fires and disrupting traffic. The chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Dah Ould Abdel Jelil, expressed satisfaction with the election process and congratulated all involved. Ghazouani’s victory in the election secures his position as the leader of Mauritania, a country known for its relative stability in the volatile Sahel region of Africa. The region, beset by violence and armed groups, has seen military coups and instability in neighboring countries like Mali.
During his first term in office, Ghazouani focused on maintaining stability in Mauritania amidst external challenges, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. He has pledged to prioritize the welfare of the country’s youth, who make up a significant portion of the population. Ghazouani, who currently chairs the African Union, has promised to address security threats from extremist groups and continue the country’s stability without experiencing any attacks on Mauritanian soil in recent years. Additionally, the president has outlined plans to invest in renewable energy and expand the mining sector, particularly in gold, uranium, and iron ore.
Ghazouani’s reelection comes at a critical time for Mauritania, as it prepares to become a gas-producing nation. The president’s leadership has been marked by a commitment to economic growth and development, with a focus on reforms and investments in key sectors. Despite the challenges faced during his first term, Ghazouani remains optimistic about the future and aims to capitalize on the favorable economic outlook to implement further reforms and initiatives. His administration’s priorities include addressing youth unemployment, improving social services, and enhancing the country’s infrastructure to drive sustainable growth and prosperity for all Mauritanians.
As Ghazouani embarks on his second term as president, he faces the task of fulfilling his promises to the Mauritanian people and delivering on his vision for the country’s future. With a focus on stability, economic growth, and social development, the president aims to consolidate his leadership and position Mauritania as a key player in the regional and continental context. Despite the challenges and criticisms faced during the electoral process, Ghazouani’s victory signals continuity and stability for the country, as it navigates the complex geopolitical landscape of the Sahel region and seeks to fulfill its potential as a gas-producing nation.