The first edition of the Mauritanian Diaspora Forum is set to commence today in Nouakchott, marking a significant event for the country's expatriate community. The forum, initially planned for July 2023, was postponed several times before being rescheduled for October 29-31, 2026. It will be held at the Diplomatic Academy under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Mauritanians Abroad. Participants from Africa, Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania have registered to attend.
The forum's opening day will focus on welcoming delegations, with separate registration sessions for participants from different regions. The inaugural session on Friday will feature speeches by Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug and President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani. The forum will then proceed with a general session to review government efforts for the diaspora and another session on regional experiences in managing expatriate affairs.
The three-day event will include multiple workshops on various themes, such as converting diaspora remittances into investments, leveraging Mauritanian expertise abroad, education, identity, and family cohesion. An additional workshop will focus on the rights of diaspora communities and their political participation. The forum will conclude with the reading of a closing statement and a roadmap for a "permanent partnership" between the state and its diaspora.
The organization of the forum follows a series of consultative tours that covered 28 countries across four continents. The event aims to transition from temporary solutions to permanent institutional frameworks for addressing the concerns of Mauritanians abroad. The forum is open to all citizens, regardless of their political affiliations, and is expected to bring together representatives of diaspora associations, skilled migrants, parliamentarians, and consuls.
The Mauritanian government has implemented several reforms to support its diaspora, including the addition of the Mauritanians Abroad portfolio to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the allowance of dual citizenship. The government has also enabled diaspora communities to directly elect their representatives to the National Assembly. These efforts reflect a broader strategy to strengthen ties between the state and its expatriate communities.
The forum's agenda reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing the diverse needs and concerns of Mauritanians abroad. By engaging with its diaspora, the government aims to harness their potential and contributions to national development. The event is seen as a critical step towards fostering a more inclusive and participatory approach to diaspora engagement.
As the forum commences, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential outcomes and the positive impact on Mauritania's relations with its diaspora. The event's success will be measured by the extent to which it achieves its objectives and the degree of collaboration that emerges between the government and its expatriate communities.
Key points
- The forum aims to transition from temporary solutions to permanent institutional frameworks for addressing the concerns of Mauritanians abroad.
