On October 5, 2026, Mauritania's Interior Minister, Mohamed Ahmed Ould Mohamed Amin, led a meeting in Nouakchott to discuss the implementation of President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani's call for a national cleanliness initiative. The initiative, launched on September 26, 2026, in Benichab, aims to promote cleanliness, environmental conservation, and improve the overall appearance of cities. The meeting was attended by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of State, Yacoub Ould Salem Vall.
During the meeting, participants discussed ways to translate the President's call into concrete actions. They emphasized the need for a coordinated effort involving various government ministries, administrative authorities, elected officials, economic and social actors, and civil society. The goal is to create a sustained and organized national effort to address cleanliness and environmental issues. This includes organizing clean-up campaigns, addressing black spots and random waste dumps, and engaging local communities, schools, and the private sector.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of developing practical plans for cleanliness, mobilizing resources, and enforcing relevant laws and regulations. These include the ban on plastic bags and regulations on construction waste. Participants stressed the need for sustained awareness campaigns to promote a culture of cleanliness as a collective responsibility. The Interior Minister and Minister of State reiterated that achieving the goals of the national initiative requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders.
To ensure effective coordination and monitoring, a proposal was made to establish a national committee to guide, oversee, and monitor the national cleanliness strategy. This committee would be supported by regional and local committees responsible for coordinating efforts, monitoring implementation, and evaluating results. The aim is to move beyond sporadic and seasonal campaigns and establish a sustainable, institutional framework for cleanliness.
The national cleanliness initiative involves several government ministries and national institutions responsible for environmental and cleanliness issues. These stakeholders will work together to implement the initiative, each within their area of expertise. The Interior Ministry has already begun circulating a memo to administrative authorities and elected officials, urging them to participate in the national effort.
The meeting marks a significant step towards implementing the President's call for a national cleanliness initiative. The initiative aims to make cleanliness a daily habit and a shared national responsibility. By engaging various stakeholders and promoting a culture of cleanliness, the government hopes to improve the overall appearance of cities and promote environmental conservation.
The national cleanliness initiative is expected to have a positive impact on Mauritania's environment and public health. By working together, the government and various stakeholders aim to create a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable environment for all citizens. The initiative's success will depend on the continued commitment and efforts of all parties involved.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has launched a national cleanliness initiative to promote environmental conservation and improve the appearance of cities.
- The initiative aims to engage various stakeholders, including government ministries, administrative authorities, elected officials, and civil society, in a coordinated effort to address cleanliness and environmental issues.
- A national committee will be established to guide, oversee, and monitor the national cleanliness strategy, supported by regional and local committees.
