Moctar Ould Diay Appointed as Mauritania’s New Prime Minister

Monday 05 August 2024 - 08:00

In a significant political move following his recent re-election, President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani has named Moctar Ould Diay as Mauritania’s new Prime Minister. This announcement, made through a presidential decree on Friday, comes shortly after President Ghazouani’s inauguration for a second consecutive term.

Ould Diay, an engineer with a distinguished academic background from the National Institute of Statistics and Applied Economics (INSEA) in Rabat, Morocco, brings extensive experience to his new role. Before this appointment, he served as the President’s Chief of Staff and has previously held several high-profile positions within the Mauritanian government, including that of Minister of Finance under former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz. Additionally, Ould Diay has led the country's tax administration and managed the National Industrial and Mining Company (SNIM).

President Ghazouani, who secured his second term with 56.12% of the vote in the June 30 election, has pledged a rigorous campaign against mismanagement and corruption. His administration aims to steer Mauritania, a nation strategically positioned between North and sub-Saharan Africa, towards greater stability and prosperity over the next five years.

Mauritania, home to 4.9 million people, has maintained relative stability in the tumultuous Sahel region, which has been beset by jihadist violence and political upheaval. Unlike its neighbors, Mauritania has not witnessed a terrorist attack on its soil since 2011, marking a notable exception in a region frequently troubled by insecurity.

The 2019 presidential election was a historic milestone for Mauritania, representing the first peaceful transition of power between two democratically elected presidents since its independence from France in 1960. This election further solidified the country's commitment to democratic principles amidst a history marred by coups and authoritarian rule.

In a gesture of regional solidarity, Moroccan Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch attended President Ghazouani’s inauguration. The two leaders engaged in discussions focused on enhancing the bilateral relationship between Mauritania and Morocco. President Ghazouani emphasized his dedication to strengthening the fraternal bonds between the two nations, aiming to foster cooperation that benefits both their peoples and their shared interests.

As Mauritania embarks on this new chapter under the leadership of Prime Minister Moctar Ould Diay, the nation’s political landscape is poised for continued development and deeper regional integration.