A three-day training course aimed at enhancing the capacities of local elected officials in governance kicked off in Mauritania's city of Selibabi on October 4, 2026. The course, organized by the "Deklik" project, which supports local economic development and municipal initiatives, is financially backed by the French Development Agency. The initiative seeks to bolster local governance and improve the quality of public services in line with the general orientations of public authorities in supporting local development.
The training course was inaugurated in the presence of the governor of Selibabi, the mayor of Selibabi, and the deputy president of the Kidi Magha region, among other officials and local elected representatives. In his address at the ceremony, Mohamed Salem Ould Mallem, advisor to the Kidi Magha governor on administrative and legal affairs, commended the significance of the training course. He emphasized its role in enhancing the capacities of local communities and elevating the level of public performance at the local level.
Ould Mallem highlighted that municipalities represent a fundamental level of public action, being the closest to citizens and most connected to their aspirations and needs. He noted that the responsibility of local elected officials extends beyond managing municipal affairs to contributing to local development and mobilizing various stakeholders. The advisor underscored that the quality of local governance is a cornerstone of the effectiveness of local communities' actions.
According to Ould Mallem, good governance is based on several principles, including transparency, accountability, participation, citizenship, consultation, and effective management of municipal affairs. He stressed that developing local governance requires strengthening coordination between local elected officials, decentralized state services, civil society organizations, economic actors, and residents. This, he said, would improve services and better address citizens' needs.
The training course aims to equip local elected officials with the necessary skills and knowledge to enhance their performance and contribute to local development. Participants are expected to engage in interactive sessions and discussions on various topics related to local governance, including public service management, financial management, and community participation. The course is expected to foster a better understanding of the roles and responsibilities of local elected officials.
The "Deklik" project's support for local development initiatives in Mauritania is part of a broader effort to promote decentralization and empower local communities. By enhancing the capacities of local elected officials, the project seeks to contribute to improved public services and more effective local governance. The training course is a significant step towards achieving these objectives.
The successful completion of the training course is expected to have a positive impact on local governance in Mauritania. By building the capacities of local elected officials, the initiative aims to promote more effective and responsive local governance, ultimately improving the lives of citizens.
Key points
- The training course aims to enhance the capacities of local elected officials in governance.
- The course is organized by the "Deklik" project with financial support from the French Development Agency.
- The initiative seeks to promote local governance and improve public services in Mauritania.
