The 7th administrative district of Mauritania celebrated its 66th independence anniversary on September 22, 2026, at Camp Fihroun Ag Alinçar in Gao. The ceremony was presided over by General Moussa Moriba Traoré, Governor of the Gao region, and attended by notable guests, including Moussa Ag Acharatoumane, President of the AES Defense Commission, and Boubacar Dacka Traoré, Mayor of Gao. The event honored the country's founders and leaders who contributed to its independence.
General Traoré began the ceremony by reviewing the troops and laying wreaths on the memorial for the fallen. He then paid tribute to the country's founders and leaders, acknowledging their sacrifices and efforts that led to Mauritania's independence. The Governor also presented a report on the region's achievements, highlighting progress in various sectors.
The agricultural sector faces challenges due to irregular rainfall, affecting the 2026-2027 campaign. However, the Governor noted improvements in infrastructure, including the completion of Gao's performance hall and rehabilitation of various services. The region also benefits from projects under the Community-led Sahel Recovery and Stabilization Project, supported by technical and financial partners.
In the education sector, the Governor reported a smooth end-of-year exam process, made possible with the support of technical and financial partners. Regarding security, he acknowledged the growing strength of defense and security forces, which have achieved notable success in securing the population and defending the national territory.
Despite these achievements, the Governor acknowledged that challenges persist, particularly in security. He emphasized the need to address urgent issues, including the rehabilitation of the Sévaré-Gao road, construction of the Taoussa dam, and development of the Gao-Bourem and Bourem-Taoussa roads. The Governor also stressed the importance of implementing projects and programs benefiting women and girls.
As part of the independence celebrations, the Governor inaugurated the reception center of the first military region of Gao. The center was named in honor of Lieutenant Nama Sangaré, who fell in combat on December 3, 2023, during an attack on the Abbé border post. The ceremony was attended by the Commander of the East Theater of Operation "Dougoukoloko".
The event concluded with a renewed commitment to addressing the region's challenges and building on its achievements. The Governor's report and the inauguration of the reception center highlighted the region's progress and the importance of continued support from partners. The country's 66th independence anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving national goals.
Key points
- The Governor of Gao region, General Moussa Moriba Traoré, presented a report on the region's achievements and challenges during the 66th independence anniversary ceremony.
- The agricultural sector faces challenges due to irregular rainfall, affecting the 2026-2027 campaign.
- The region benefits from projects under the Community-led Sahel Recovery and Stabilization Project, supported by technical and financial partners.
