Mauritanian opposition demands President’s direct involvement in National dialogue

Sunday 20 July 2025 - 09:15

A new chapter in Mauritania's political landscape is unfolding as President Mohamed Cheikh El Ghazouani calls for an inclusive national dialogue involving all political and social forces. The initiative, aimed at strengthening democratic institutions and fostering unity, has been met with cautious openness from the opposition.

In response to the presidential appeal, opposition parties participating in the proposed dialogue have developed a roadmap, which was submitted to Moussa Fall, the coordinator appointed by the president to facilitate the process.

Professor Lô Gourmo, Vice President of the Union of the Forces of Progress (UFP), emphasized the significance of this call, citing broad consultations among political parties and the formation of a technical commission. This commission, composed of representatives from various political groups, was tasked with outlining the dialogue’s structure, conditions, and mechanisms for implementing future recommendations.

“We are in favor of dialogue in principle,” said Professor Gourmo, adding that discussions on critical issues such as the president’s personal engagement are ongoing.

Balla Touré, a member of parliament from the Hope Mauritania coalition, stressed the importance of high-level political will. “The opposition is asking for the president’s direct involvement in both the implementation and the follow-up of the dialogue’s outcomes,” he declared. Touré also pointed out that Mauritania has faced systemic challenges for decades and that only committed leadership can ensure meaningful change.

The roadmap prepared by the opposition highlights key demands: transparency, fair political representation, institutional reform, and a clear role for civil society. But above all, it insists on a firm guarantee that any agreements reached during the dialogue will be respected and acted upon—starting with personal commitment from the head of state.

While the atmosphere is one of cautious optimism, observers stress that the success of this initiative hinges on trust-building and clear engagement from all political actors. With the technical groundwork laid, attention now turns to the political leadership to transform talks into tangible results.