The first edition of the Mauritanian Diaspora Forum concluded in Nouakchott on November 2, 2026, after three days of discussions and workshops. The forum, attended by representatives of the Mauritanian diaspora, parliamentarians, government officials, and regional and international partners, aimed to address the challenges faced by Mauritanians living abroad. The event was presided over by Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, who emphasized the importance of the forum in exchanging views and experiences.
The forum's discussions focused on the economic, social, and cultural challenges faced by Mauritanians living abroad, with participants seeking to formulate concrete recommendations to improve their living conditions and enhance their participation in national development efforts. The minister highlighted the interactive nature of the forum, which brought together representatives of the diaspora, parliamentarians, government departments, and regional and international partners to enrich debates and formulate recommendations.
In his closing address, Minister Ould Merzoug emphasized that the forum reflected the government's commitment to prioritizing the concerns of Mauritanians living abroad. He noted that the President of the Republic, Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani, had given clear orientations for the forum's proceedings, focusing on addressing the challenges faced by the diaspora and finding solutions to overcome them.
The minister reaffirmed the government's commitment to implementing the seven main recommendations contained in the forum's final declaration, in coordination with relevant government departments. He also stressed the importance of regularly informing the diaspora and their representatives about the progress of implementation through Mauritanian diplomatic and consular missions abroad.
The final declaration of the forum included seven key recommendations, including the creation of a National Diaspora Council, the establishment of a fund to support diaspora investments, and the issuance of Islamic investment certificates (sukuk) guaranteed by the state. The recommendations also called for a national program to mobilize the skills of Mauritanians living abroad to contribute to national development.
Ambassador Mohamed Maouloud Ould Mohamed Salem, Director-General of Mauritanians Abroad, presented the forum's conclusions, highlighting the participants' appreciation for the President's participatory and consultative approach to addressing diaspora concerns. The participants also expressed their commitment to working together to implement the forum's conclusions and ensure the protection of Mauritanian citizens abroad.
The Mauritanian government has pledged to work closely with the diaspora to implement the recommendations and ensure their effective participation in national development efforts. The forum's outcome is seen as a significant step towards strengthening ties between the government and the Mauritanian diaspora, with the aim of promoting economic, social, and cultural development in the country.
Key points
- The forum's final declaration included seven key recommendations to improve the living conditions and participation of Mauritanians living abroad.
- The Mauritanian government has pledged to implement the recommendations and ensure the effective participation of the diaspora in national development efforts.
- The forum was attended by representatives of the Mauritanian diaspora, parliamentarians, government officials, and regional and international partners.
