Mauritania's National Assembly witnessed the first two interventions by newly elected parliamentarians, Yousouf Ould Abou Medine and Habi Bent Rabah, on October 27. Ould Abou Medine, representing the party Al-Sawab, called on President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani to respect his pledge not to amend the constitution. He emphasized that the country has capable leaders and that the 2029 elections should be held in a free and fair environment. Ould Abou Medine also highlighted pending issues, including public freedoms, living standards, and basic services such as water, electricity, healthcare, and education.
Habi Bent Rabah expressed concerns about the country's direction, questioning the effectiveness of previous loans. She mentioned the lack of basic services in the Trarza region and declared her solidarity with former President Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz and detainees from the "Ira" movement. The interventions took place during a public session to discuss a draft law approving a loan agreement with the Spanish Official Credit Institute to fund a resilience and integrated development project in the Senegal River basin.
The loan agreement, worth 50 million euros, aims to support a development project in four regions along the Senegal River. The project focuses on enhancing resilience and integrated development in the region. The parliamentarians' interventions reflect the ongoing debates on the country's development path and the role of loans in addressing its challenges.
Yousouf Ould Abou Medine replaced former parliamentarian Qamo Ashour, whose membership was revoked by a judicial decision upheld by the Supreme Court. Habi Bent Rabah occupied another vacant seat following the removal of a former parliamentarian. Bent Rabah is known for being freed from slavery in 2008 with the help of human rights organizations.
President El Ghazouani has nearly three years remaining in his second and final term. Ould Abou Medine urged him to keep his promise not to alter the constitution, emphasizing that the country has capable leaders who can guide it. The parliamentarians' calls reflect the ongoing discussions on governance, development, and the role of the constitution in shaping the country's future.
The National Assembly also approved the Spanish loan agreement during the same session. The project aims to improve living standards and promote development in the Senegal River basin region. The Mauritanian government's efforts to secure loans and implement development projects reflect its commitment to addressing the country's challenges and promoting economic growth.
The interventions by the new parliamentarians highlight the ongoing debates on the country's development path, governance, and the role of loans in addressing its challenges. As the country prepares for future elections, the discussions on the constitution, development, and leadership will likely continue to shape the national agenda.
Key points
- Mauritania's parliamentarians address constitutional changes and loans amid ongoing debates on the country's development path.
- The country's president has nearly three years remaining in his term and has pledged not to alter the constitution.
- The National Assembly approved a 50 million euro loan agreement with Spain to fund a development project in the Senegal River basin region.
