The Mauritanian government has taken a significant step in engaging with its diaspora community through the first forum for Mauritanian communities abroad, which concluded on October 30, 2026, in Nouakchott. The event, overseen by Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug, brought together representatives of Mauritanian communities abroad, parliamentarians, government officials, and regional and international partners. The forum aimed to address the challenges faced by Mauritanians living abroad and to gather recommendations and proposals to improve their situation and enhance their participation in national development efforts.
The three-day forum featured general sessions and discussion workshops that tackled various issues and challenges confronting Mauritanians residing abroad. These included economic, social, and cultural challenges, with the goal of developing practical recommendations and proposals to address them. In his closing speech, Minister Merzoug emphasized that the forum provided a valuable opportunity for exchanging views and experiences, identifying economic, social, and cultural challenges, and developing practical proposals that respond to the aspirations of the diaspora community.
Minister Merzoug highlighted the importance of the forum in reflecting the political will of President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani to prioritize the issues of Mauritanians abroad. He noted that the president's address to the forum participants set a framework for the event's proceedings, focusing on studying the challenges faced by the diaspora and exploring solutions to overcome them. The minister also emphasized the need to convert the forum's outcomes into sustainable solutions that ensure Mauritanian citizens abroad can exercise their rights, participate in politics and economy, and preserve their cultural identity.
The forum's outcomes included seven key recommendations, which were presented in a closing statement by Ambassador Mohamed Mouloud Ould Mohamed Salem, the Director-General for Mauritanians Abroad. These recommendations included the establishment of a national council for the Mauritanian diaspora, the creation of a fund to support their investments, and the launch of Islamic financial instruments. The recommendations also covered the development of a national program to mobilize the skills of Mauritanians abroad and utilize their expertise to support national development.
The Mauritanian government has committed to following up on the implementation of the forum's recommendations, in coordination with relevant government sectors. The government aims to regularly update the diaspora community on the progress of these implementations through Mauritanian diplomatic and consular missions abroad. Minister Merzoug expressed his appreciation to the participants, parliamentarians, and representatives of the diaspora community for their contributions to the forum.
The conclusion of the forum was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Interior Minister Mokhtar Ahmed Bousif, Education Minister Huda Babah, and the Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Daman Hemer. The event was also attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Mauritania. The government has emphasized its commitment to engaging with the diaspora community and addressing their concerns.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has launched a new initiative to engage with its diaspora community and address their challenges.
- The first forum for the Mauritanian diaspora was held in Nouakchott from October 28-30, 2026.
- The forum's outcomes included seven key recommendations to support the diaspora community and enhance their participation in national development efforts.
