Mauritanian politician Birame Dah Abeid held a press conference on October 1, 2026, in Nouakchott, where he addressed allegations that he had sold parliament seats to wealthy individuals. Dah Abeid, president of the IRA movement, stated that his goal during the 2023 legislative elections was to bring representatives of the poor and marginalized to the National Assembly. He claimed that he had rejected hundreds of millions of ouguiyas offered by wealthy individuals seeking top spots on the candidate lists.
Dah Abeid's comments come in response to allegations made by Aminata Dia Bougal, a former member of his movement, who claimed that she had bought her seat. Dah Abeid stated that he does not respond to allegations made by former members of his movement, but emphasized that his philosophy was to empower the poor and marginalized. He cited the examples of Marième Cheikh Dieng, Ghamou Achour, and Aminata Dia, who were all chosen for their candidacies due to their humble backgrounds.
According to Dah Abeid, if the sale of parliament seats was a common practice within the RAG/SAWAB coalition, none of his chosen candidates would have been able to secure top spots. He revealed that two individuals had offered 100 million MRO each to be head of the list in Nouakchott-Ouest and Nouakchott-Sud, while others offered between 30 to 40 million MRO for second spots on the lists. Dah Abeid stated that he had rejected all such offers.
Dah Abeid also criticized the current government's treatment of Mauritanian citizens, stating that there is a systemic divide between those who support the government and those who do not. He claimed that this divide is evident in the justice system, freedom of assembly, and access to basic services such as healthcare and education. Dah Abeid also highlighted the issue of food security, stating that while Mauritania has abundant resources, many families struggle to access basic necessities.
The politician also discussed his recent visit to the town of Boghé, where he claimed that the police had prevented citizens from gathering to meet him. Dah Abeid contrasted this with the government's events, which he claimed were able to proceed without restriction. He stated that this double standard is a symptom of a broader issue, where the government favors those who support it and restricts the freedoms of those who do not.
Dah Abeid also addressed the issue of regional disparities, stating that the government's policies have led to a sense of marginalization in the north. He claimed that while the president's recent visit to the region had been presented as a success, the reality on the ground was different. Dah Abeid stated that the north has significant resources, including iron, fishing, and mining, but that the local population does not feel that they have benefited from these resources.
Finally, Dah Abeid emphasized the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in Mauritania. He stated that the country's wealth should be shared by all, regardless of region or background. Dah Abeid's comments come at a time of growing concern about poverty and inequality in Mauritania, where many families struggle to access basic necessities such as food and healthcare.
Key points
- Birame Dah Abeid rejects allegations of selling parliament seats, emphasizing his goal of empowering the poor and marginalized.
- Dah Abeid criticizes the government's treatment of citizens, highlighting systemic divides in justice, freedom, and access to services.
- The politician calls for a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in Mauritania, citing regional disparities and poverty.
