In a recent interview with the Mauritanian Information Agency, former Minister Ahmed Ould Sidi Bab addressed the question posed by President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani: "Where are we headed?" This inquiry, also raised by Mauritania's founding president, Moktar Ould Daddah, highlights the significance of national unity and its importance in the country's progress. Ould Sidi Bab emphasized that the current challenge does not lie in national unity, as the foundation laid by President Daddah has safeguarded it from internal threats.
Ould Sidi Bab noted that it is no surprise that President El Ghazouani echoed the same question, given that both leaders share a common cultural and traditional background. He stressed that understanding the depth of the question is crucial, as it relates to national harmony, the Arabic language, and the celebration of ethnicities and tribes in a cultural context, rather than a political one. The former minister highlighted that while civilization encompasses all Mauritanians through Islam, cultures may vary, as seen in all countries.
The question posed by President El Ghazouani, according to Ould Sidi Bab, seeks to address the means to consolidate national harmony. He criticized proposals to amend the constitution to recognize specific ethnic groups and their characteristics, deeming them contradictory to the concept of a republic. Instead, Ould Sidi Bab argued that the national dialogue should focus on achieving equal citizenship, eliminating distinctions based on color, ethnicity, or social affiliation.
Ould Sidi Bab emphasized that Mauritania's progress relies on building a state of equal citizenship, where citizens are not divided by artificial labels. He referenced the outdated anthropological classifications of the 1940s, which categorized African societies into Arab-Berber and Negro-African groups. The former minister reaffirmed that all Mauritanians are African, united by their Islamic faith and shared homeland.
The former minister stressed that what Mauritania needs is to address the fundamental question of coexisting within a system based on national harmony. He highlighted the importance of moving beyond partisan and tribal affiliations, working towards a unified nation. Ould Sidi Bab expressed his confidence that President El Ghazouani and founding President Daddah share a common vision rooted in Mauritanian culture and values.
Ould Sidi Bab drew parallels between Mauritania's current situation and the early days of Islam, citing the Prophet Muhammad and the Rashidun Caliphs as examples of unity and harmony. He attributed the country's challenges to divisions and schisms that arose later, emphasizing the need for a return to the values that once united the nation.
Ultimately, Ould Sidi Bab called for a national dialogue that prioritizes unity, development, and prosperity, rather than succumbing to populist rhetoric. He urged Mauritanians to work together, putting aside differences and focusing on building a cohesive nation. The former minister's remarks underscore the significance of national unity and the need for collective efforts to ensure a brighter future for Mauritania.
Key points
- Former Minister Ahmed Ould Sidi Bab emphasizes the importance of national unity in Mauritania's progress.
